Selenium as a 'nutraceutical':: how to conciliate physiological and supra-nutritional effects for an essential trace element

Selenium perfectly illustrates the concept of 'nutraceutical' and the need for changing paradigms in nutrition. Indeed, intakes for satisfying physiological needs as reflected by classical selenium-dependent biochemical functions (mostly glutathione peroxidase activity) only explain a part of selenium biological potency. Other beneficial effects can be obtained at higher nutritional intakes, which in turn implies specified chemical forms and doses. Studies are under way to document these effects in a more complete and convincing manner. (C) 2002 Lippincott Williams Wilkins.