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Selenium as an antioxidant
Can you give me any guidance in using selenium as an antioxidant? I know there is a growing body of research proving its importance and have seen it included in a new skincare. What are its actions on the skin?
Selenium is one of the big four antioxidants - the others are vitamins A, C and E. It does have a protective effect but until now, has been treated with caution since fears of toxicity (it is toxic if you take more than 800 mcg a day; most people take 200mcg) outweighed enthusiasm over its benefits. Since cancer research charities are now investigating its usefulness, that looks set to change.
Selenium is especially crucial for men’s reproductive health, and what we do know is that dietary intake for both sexes has dropped considerably in the last 50 years. In one clinical trial, for example, men taking a supplement of 159micrograms of selenium per day had three times less risk of prostate problems than those taking just 86mcg. In the UK, most men fall way short of this, averaging just 30mcg of selenium a day in their diet.
On a recent trip to Florida, I stumbled across a fabulous and inexpensive antioxidant skincare range called Osmotics. The ethos of the company is, where possible, to substitute natural ingredients for chemical ones and every cream and spray in this high tech, cruelty-free range is backed by clinical research, which has then been independently validated, from scientists around the world.
This range relies on copper, not selenium, to prevent oxidative damage to the skin. This is because copper is the chief component of the body’s own natural defence mechanisms. It works by triggering one of the antioxidant enzymes in the body - superoxide disutase (SOD).
*Osmotics (www.osmotics.com) is currently only available at Fenwicks in London (020-7629 9161). The balancing cleanser is £15. The balancing toner mist is £24.