Getting To Know Selenium

Word Origin: The name for this chemical element was derived from the Greek word “selênê” which means “moon”. The name was coined by its discoverer, Jöns Jacob Berzelius.

History: This element was discovered in 1817 by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius during the process of analyzing an impurity present in a sulfuric acid sample produced through lead chamber process. At first, Berzelius assumed that it was tellurium after a few attempts to analyze the red precipitate that was formed in the lead chambers.

The red precipitate was initially assumed to be arsenic, but it smelled similar with tellurium. He then later realized that there is a lack of tellurium from where they source pyrite for the lead chambers. This caused him to reanalyze the red precipitates which led him to conclude that it is a new element. Berzelius named it after the moon, because tellurium was named after earth.

Some information about what can be expected from exposure to Selenium (Se):

Short-term exposure: This does not present any negative side effects when taken in adequate amounts. However, in inappropriately high doses, short term exposure to it can cause bad breath, nausea, liver, kidney and heart problems. At very high levels, it can be fatal.

People with a family history of skin cancer should avoid taking large amounts of this element.

This and its compounds interact quickly with prescribed drugs (e.g. chemotherapy drugs, antacids, corticosteroids and statin drugs) and birth control pills. Although they are beneficial in recommended amounts, it is better to consult your doctor first when planning to take supplements with it.

Long-term Exposure: There are some regions in which this element is present in higher concentrations in the soil. People who are not aware of the source of their food can be at risk of consuming too much of it, especially if they are taking additional supplements.

Long term exposure can be first seen in the hair, teeth, nails and skin. It can cause brittle nails, brittle hair, hair fall, discolored teeth and mottled skin.

The respiratory and digestive systems also give early signs of overdose. Be warned if you experience a bitter metallic taste in your mouth or a sudden garlicky breath.

Some Side Effects: Overdose can produce a host of side effects similar to other kinds of overdose, which makes the cause hard to isolate. Generally, overdose with it causes respiratory, digestive and nervous damages. If you are taking supplements with this listed and other foods that are naturally abundant in this element, be wary. One of the tell-tale signs of overdose is fatigue because of the compromised function of the thyroid and adrenal glands.

What Can You Do about Selenium (Se) Exposure?
If you suspect yourself of being overdosed, the first thing you should do is to check your supplements for the mineral contents and then assess your diet. If you have a diet of foods rich in this element as a staple, then start taking them in moderation. Some states also have high concentration of this element in their water because they use it with bismuth in brass pipes.

Drink a lot of water and eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to wash away excess amounts in your body. It is still a necessary nutrient for your health so better have your intake from food sources instead of supplements, which sometimes contain synthetic or inorganic forms of vitamins and minerals.

Technical:
Name: Selenium
Symbol: Se
Atomic Number: 34
Atomic Mass: 78.96 amu
Melting Point: 494 K ​(221 °C, ​430 °F)
Boiling Point: 958 K ​(685 °C, ​1265 °F)
Number of Protons/Electrons: 34
Number of Neutrons: 45
Classification: Non-metal. Chalcogen (Chalcogens are the chemical elements in the 16th group of the periodic table. Other than this, chalcogens consist of oxygen, sulfur, tellurium and pollonium. Generally, chalcogens are also known as the oxygen family)

Uses: It is primarily used in semiconductors, solar cells and photocells. It is also used in glass production. The red tint of its compounds helps to cancel out yellow and green colors produced by traces of iron compounds. They are also used in brass to make alloys as a replacement for the toxic lead.

Some Facts about Selenium (Se):

• It has photoconductive and photovoltaic properties. (Photoconductivity refers to the property of a substance or any material to have an increased ability to conduct electricity because of absorption of electromagnetic radiation from visible light, UV light, infrared red and gamma rays. Because of this, it is also used in infrared detection technologies, xerography (photocopying) and heat-seeking missiles. Photovoltaics or PV refers to the method of converting solar or light energy to electric currents.)

• Its use in the electronics has greatly declined, although there are still continuing applications. It is widely replaced by the less expensive silicon.

• It is present as a trace mineral in biological species. In large amounts, it is considered toxic. A few of the benefits of sufficient amounts of this element include dandruff elimination, asthma treatment, protection against prostate cancer and mal-absorption.

• Some plants have the tendency to accumulate this element to ward off animals. Other plants such as locoweed require this element to grow. The presence of locoweed indicates an abundant amount of this element in the soil.

• Its presence in the human body helps to protect against low to medium doses of mercury. It also helps in improving Hashimoto’s disease. As little as 0.2 mg is needed for this disease.

• Foods that are rich in this element include garlic, raisins, Brazil nuts, walnuts, onions, freshwater and saltwater fishes. Even as little as 2 Brazil nuts eaten daily continuously for 6 weeks is sufficient to provide the needed amount in the body.

• The safest upper limit in adult humans is set at 400 mcg a day. Any higher than 400 mcg is an overdose. Ideally, adults should consume only about 55 mcg of this element from foods or supplements daily. Pregnant women should consume 70 mcg. Children should take only 20 to 40 mcg a day.

[The information contained in this article is believed to be reliable. I have taken every precaution to verify its accuracy; I am not a medical professional and make no warranties, representations or guarantees of any kind as to its accuracy. Medical knowledge is in a constant state of change, and what I have written here may be out of date by the time you read it. The information that I have provided here is for informational purposes only and not for use in diagnosing any condition that you may or may not have. Always consult with you doctor before treating yourself.]