Last week’s Pearl for Health discussed the increase risk for cancer associated with certain vitamins but not selenium. So do we need more of this trace mineral (a substance needed in very small amounts)? Selenium is known to help prevent cell damage, those helping to prevent cancer. It stimulates the immune system to help fight off infections. It protects the body from poisonous substances like heavy metal.

It also is important for the optimal action of the heart and blood vessels. Plant sources of this mineral are grains, vegetables, brewers yeast, wheat germ and garlic. Animals that feed on selenium rich plants contain this essential mineral. So why not take a potent supplement to make sure that you are getting adequate amounts? Here’s a good reason to not follow that logic.

In the journal Diabetes Care (2007;30:829-834) researchers noted that high blood levels of selenium were associated with an increased risk for diabetes. Dr. Joachim Bleys and colleagues from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland noted that in the nearly 9000 adults involved in the study, selenium levels were higher in those with diabetes than those without this disease.

The take-home message is simple; get your nutrients from the food you eat and not from pills and supplements. Remember, God knows what is best, so let’s follow His plan given to His children at creation. God has promised, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Ps. 32:8)