MINERAL RESOURCE OF THE MONTH: SELENIUM

George highlights the beneficial and harmful effects of selenium. Selenium is a trace mineral needed in small amounts for good health; however, in any significant amount, it is toxic. As a relatively rare metallic element, selenium has a surprising diversity of uses. In humans, selenium is important for the immune system, and its antioxidant and curative properties have been demonstrated to assist with a number of health problems, including AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, pancreatitis, reproductive problems, thyroid dysfunction and viral infections. Too much selenium, however, can kill a person.