Voichita Hurgoiu *
* Prof. dr. Hurgoiu Voichita, Clinica de Puericulturii UMF Cluj-Napoca
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element being component of a number of enzymes and selenoproteins that provide antioxidant action, tyroid hormone production and in the celular immunity. The plasma level reflects the dietary intake of Se, the erythrocyte Se level and the glutathione peroxidase activity indicate the functional Se. The sources of Se are: meat, viscera, fish, cereals, green vegetables, milk, eggs and drinking water, shaving a high bioavailability. Se deficiency appears in low nutritional intake, is endemic in the areas with low soil levels (Kashan disease, Kaschin-Beck disease) or in other nutritional deprivations. Se intoxication can be acute and chronic (selenosis).