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Study links low selenium with muscle weakness and increased mortality

Selenium is a trace mineral known for its antioxidant nature and its antiviral and anticancer properties. Garlic, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, legumes, fish, meat and poultry are rich in selenium, but the amount depends on how much is in their environment or the soil in which they are grown.

Selenium deficiency in New Zealand soils is now well recognised, with some areas of the South Island recording very low levels. The mineral is also increasingly stripped from the soil by modern agricultural practices.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition included 891 men and women age 65 and older. Researchers measured blood selenium levels and tested muscle strength by looking at hip flexion, knee extension and hand grip. During six years of followup, those with the lowest selenium levels and weakest muscles were found to be the least likely to survive. This finding is consistent with those from previous studies linking both muscle weakness and low selenium levels to increased mortality.

(Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:347–52)

(Originally published in Health & Herbal News magazine Vol. 18 Issue 1)