If you have been looking into supplements during cancer treatment, there is a good chance you have come across selenium. Some articles describe it as an antioxidant that protects healthy cells, while others warn against taking it during treatment. With so much conflicting information, it's easy to wonder what's actually true. The answer isn't black and white. Selenium is a mineral your body needs. But whether you should take it as a supplement depends on your health, your treatment plan, and whether you're actually deficient.
Why does your body need selenium?
Even though your body only needs a small amount of selenium, it has several important jobs. It keeps the immune system healthy, maintains thyroid function, and protects cells against the damage they receive on a daily basis from unstable molecules called free radicals. Most individuals are adequately consuming. Eating foods such as fish and eggs. Poultry, dairy products, whole grains, and Brazil nuts. Selenium may have a role in supportive cancer care for some patients, particularly those with low selenium levels. At the same time, researchers said there still isn't enough evidence to recommend selenium supplements for every person with cancer.
Taking extra isn't always a good idea
Selenium is available without a prescription, so it may appear harmless to add to your regimen. But taking more than your body needs can do more harm than good.
Too much selenium may lead to:
Diarrhea
Hair loss
Brittle nails
A metallic flavour in the mouth
Garlic-like breath
In severe cases, nerve problems can occur. That's why it's important not to just begin a supplement because you saw the word about it online.
Do you actually need a supplement?
Not necessarily. If you are selenium deficient from a test, your doctor may prescribe a selenium supplement or advise you to consume more foods that are high in selenium. If your selenium levels are within the normal range, however, there isn't much to suggest that you should take additional selenium to help treat or reduce the likelihood of cancer returning. Treatment should always be prescribed as per the individual's needs and not based on any general information available online.
Understand this
Selenium is a nutrient, and not a cancer cure, and not even a supplement for all patients. If you are considering taking it, speak to your oncologist about it at your next appointment. They will check your treatment, blood tests, and health before recommending that you take selenium. This will allow you to make an informed decision rather than going by the claims that may or may not apply to you.