Why is selenium so important? As a “trace” mineral selenium (Se) is a vital micronutrient, with multiple roles in the growth and functioning of living cells in higher animals and humans. Selenium forms about 14 mg of the proximate composition of the average human.
Adequate selenium nutrition is essential to maintain the body’s antioxidant defense systems and to efficiently utilize energy. Selenium is involved in immune mechanisms, ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) synthesis, mitochondrial ATP biosynthesis (energy cycle), and in several metabolic processes.