Dietary Selenium and Health

Dear Colleagues,

Selenium is one of the most intensively studied inorganic components of the diet.  Ever since it was recognized in the 1950s that the element, which had until then been known only for its toxic effects, was also an essential nutrient, it has attracted growing interest for its role(s) in human health. Selenium exerts many of its health benefits through its incorporation into selenoproteins that have a wide range of pleiotropic effects, ranging from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to the production of active thyroid hormone.  More research is needed to improve our understanding of selenium metabolism and requirements for optimal health. Gaps include that the functions of the majority of the selenoproteins await characterization, the mechanism of absorption has yet to be identified, measures of status need to be improved, and effects of genotype on metabolism require further investigation.  Thus, the purpose of this special issue is to focus on the role of selenium in health and disease.

Dr. Cindy D. Davis
Guest Editor