Selenium in biology and medicine

The book gives an account of the most recent development in the understanding of the essential trace element selenium with respect to its role in animals and man. It is divided into five sections covering biochemistry, metabolism, pharmacology, human nutrition and epidemiology, and the interaction of selenium with malignant diseases. Primary new information is available on the synthesis of selenoproteins, metabolic selenium-dependent modulations in animals, and brand-new results on the development of a new, selenium-containing anti-inflammatory drug. For the first time, data from China are presented on the chronic toxicity of selenium in man. A critical appraisal of the debate on the anticarcinogenic effect of selenium is given. Recommended daily intakes of selenium for man and epidemiological data on different countries of the world are reported.