- In women with selenium deficiency, which in Poland constitute one third of the general female population, supplementation of this element allows for a tenfold reduction in mortality, regardless of the cause - said in an interview for TVP3 Szczecin, Prof. Jan Lubiński, head of the Department of Genetics and Pathomorphology of the Medical University of Szczecin and the International Center for Hereditary Cancer, summarizing the results of research conducted at the university for three years. Studies have shown the importance of selenium in the prevention and support of the treatment of breast cancer.
Prof. Jan Lubiński: Selenium may turn out to be a key element in longevity research
Published Dec. 15, 2022 12:58
This does not mean, however, that patients should take selenium without first consulting a doctor.
- First, we determine who is really in need, who belongs to the group with a deficiency, and who has a surplus of selenium. One-third of women have deficiencies, but on the other hand, one-third have excess. Administering selenium to such people is harmful and worsens the situation - warns the professor.
Also in women with a confirmed deficiency, supplementation must take place under the supervision of a doctor, so as not to lead to an excessive supply of the element. As added by Prof. Jan Lubiński, selenium probably affects such system parameters as circulation, bone marrow function or hormonal balance, especially in the context of thyroid function.
Research conducted by scientists from PUM was carried out on four groups of patients: deficient with supplementation, deficient with placebo and deficient on a diet and with excess selenium and in dietary management.
– We weren't sure about the effect. We did not know whether a diet or a simple compound used in supplementation would be better. After decoding the research, it turned out that the effect is spectacularly strong. Now we have a problem, how long should we continue this research - says prof. Jan Lubiński.
