Importance of Selenium in Human Metabolic Processes

Pages:209-210
Parmila Kumari (Deptt. of Chemistry, Singhania University Pacheri Bari Distt. Jhunjunu, Rajasthan)

The essential trace mineral, selenium, is of fundamental importance to human health. As a constituent of selenoproteins, selenium has structural and enzymic roles, in the latter context being best-known as an antioxidant and catalyst for the production of active thyroid hormone. Selenium is needed for the proper functioning of the immune system, and appears to be a key nutrient in counteracting the development of virulence and inhibiting HIV progression to AIDS. It is required for sperm motility and may reduce the risk of miscarriage.