Fact Know about Selenium benefits uses side effects Baldness Wheat
Selenium, the chemical element, is a captivating member of the periodic table.
It carries the symbol Se and the atomic number 34, placing it in the chalcogen group—think of it as a cousin to oxygen and sulfur.
Discovered in 1817 by Jöns Jacob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist, it got its name from "selene," the Greek word for moon, a nod to its kinship with tellurium (named for Earth).
Here’s a closer look at what makes it tick:
Selenium in Wheat
Essential Nutrient:
Selenium is crucial for various bodily functions, including the immune system and antioxidant defense.
It is a component of enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, which helps protect cells from damage.
Sources and Accumulation:
Wheat can accumulate selenium from the soil.
The amount of selenium in wheat depends on the selenium content of the soil and the use of selenium-containing fertilizers.
Health Implications:
Both selenium deficiency and toxicity can have health consequences.
Deficiency can lead to conditions like Keshan disease and Kashin-Beck disease, while excessive selenium intake can cause selenosis, characterized by symptoms like hair loss, nail brittleness, and neurological damage.
Recent Issues
Recently, there have been reports of high selenium levels in wheat supplied through India's public distribution system (PDS), particularly sourced from Punjab.
This has led to cases of sudden and severe hair loss in Maharashtra's Buldhana district
Investigations revealed that the selenium levels in the wheat were significantly higher than the normal range, causing health issues among the affected individuals
Research and Biofortification
Research has shown that biofortification of wheat with selenium can be achieved through foliar application of selenium compounds like selenate and selenite.
This process can enhance the selenium content in wheat grains, making it a potential strategy to address selenium deficiency in populations
Properties
Appearance: Selenium has a few faces. Its most common form is a shiny, gray, crystalline solid that looks almost metallic.
It can also show up as a red amorphous powder or even a black, glassy version, depending on how it’s prepared.
Behavior:
It’s a semiconductor, meaning it conducts electricity better than insulators like glass but not as well as metals. Light makes it more conductive, which is why it’s a star in tech applications.
Where It’s Found:
It’s not super abundant—only about 0.05 parts per million in the Earth’s crust—but it pops up in sulfide ores like those of copper or lead.
Uses
Industry:
In glassmaking, selenium neutralizes green tints from iron impurities or adds a red hue for decorative pieces.
It’s also in photocopiers and solar cells, thanks to that light-sensitive conductivity.
Health:
Tiny amounts of selenium are essential for life.
It’s a key player in enzymes that protect cells from damage—think of it as a microscopic bodyguard.
You’ll find it in foods like Brazil nuts, fish, and eggs.
