Elevated selenium concentrations in Seronorm Trace Elements Serum (Level 2)

Abstract

Selenium is an essential trace element in humans, the majority of it occurring in selenoproteins. These proteins have several known physiologic functions; they are important antioxidants, maintain normal thyroid function, and are thought to play a role in inhibiting tumor growth. There has been considerable interest in studying selenoproteins in serum because the selenium concentrations reported for many populations are less than those required for optimum activity of selenoenzymes. This may have both long- and short-term consequences for human health.