Super Selenium Want to boost the beneficial effects of vitamin E? In previous e-Alerts Dr. Spreen has noted how a couple hundred micrograms of selenium will do exactly that. But there's more to selenium than just being vitamin E's best friend. Researchers in Florence, Italy, recruited more than 890 older subjects who participated in muscle strength tests after giving blood samples. When samples were compared to test results, researchers found that subjects with the lowest selenium levels were about two times more likely to have poor muscle strength compared to subjects whose selenium levels were highest. Although the body converts selenium into proteins that help prevent cell damage, researchers note that their trial does not suggest that increased selenium intake will necessarily improve muscle strength. Still, there are plenty of good reasons to make sure your selenium intake is adequate. In previous e-Alerts we've seen how selenium has been shown to increase insulin efficiency, enhance the immune system, and defend against autoimmune disorders. Selenium has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer: specifically liver, colorectal and prostate cancers. The U.S. RDA for selenium is 55 mcg for women and 70 mcg for men. Fruits and vegetables are generally good selenium sources, but only when they're grown in selenium-rich soil. In the U.S., selenium is highly concentrated in the soil of only six states: North and South Dakota, Utah, Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. Bread, fish and meat also deliver some amounts of selenium. Sources:
"Older Adults With Low Selenium Have Weaker Muscles" Reuters Health, 8/22/07, reutershealth.com | 
