Selenium is a trace mineral needed in the body in small amounts, about 200mcg per day. However, selenium is such a vital nutrient that if it is deficient an important enzyme pathway is blocked and body dysfunction can occur.

Selenium, along with vitamin E, is involved in producing the enzyme, glutathione peroxidase. This powerful enzyme acts like a mop in neutralizing damaging particles to the body. These particles are commonly known as free radicals.

Selenium is also necessary for the production of prostaglandins, substances that affect blood pressure. A prostaglandin deficiency also results in a deficiency of other compounds necessary for keeping arteries free from platelet aggregation. Pancreatic function also depends upon selenium.

The Benefits using Selenium for Mercury Toxicity

In scientific jargon, selenium has an unusually high “binding affinity” for mercury. In layman’s terms, this means that when the two elements are found together, they tend to connect, forming a new substance. This makes it difficult for the human body to absorb the mercury separately. So when mercury binds to selenium, it’s no longer free to bind to anything else – like brain tissue.

In one study, Japanese researchers found that adding selenium to the diets of birds “gave complete protection” from large amounts of mercury. Research carried out by scientists in Scotland and the Philippines has concluded that the relationship between mercury and selenium is one of “toxicological antagonism.” And in the United States, The Environmental Protection Agency describes selenium as an element that is “antagonistic to the toxic effects of mercury.”

Consequently, selenium becomes a vital part of the support protocol when chelating or detoxifying from mercury. Add a buffered vitamin C vitamin E to the chelation or detoxification process, and you will enhance the unbinding of mercury and the safe elimination from the body.