Biotech Values

[biomaven0]

>Are you taking such a supplement?

Nope - only recently saw that article. I do take a mineral supplement that includes a different form of selenium, as well as calcium citrate because I'm on Prilosec, which has been shown to reduce absorption of calcium and trace minerals (and also vitamin B12).

Sodium selenate isn't easy to find - likely because it has "sodium" in its name.

Here's an old article on why it may be a good form of selenium supplement:

http://www.nutri.com/wn/sel.html

The role of selenium in AD is a bit controversial - a recent literature review said it was unclear with studies going both ways, but there certainly are some studies out there showing low selenium in AD patients. (Note other trace minerals also seem to be low).

Br J Nutr. 2010 Mar;103(6):803-6. Epub 2009 Dec 1.
Nutritional status of selenium in Alzheimer's disease patients.
Cardoso BR, Ong TP, Jacob-Filho W, Jaluul O, Freitas MI, Cozzolino SM.
Source
PRONUT (Program of Applied Human Nutrition)-FSP/FCF/FEA, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil. [e-mail]
Abstract
Studies have shown that various antioxidants are decreased in different age-related degenerative diseases and thus, oxidative stress would have a central role in the pathogenesis of many disorders that involve neuronal degeneration, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study aimed to assess the nutritional status of Se in AD patients and to compare with control subjects with normal cognitive function. The case-control study was carried out on a group of elderly with AD (n 28) and compared with a control group (n 29), both aged between 60 and 89 years. Se intake was evaluated by using a 3-d dietary food record. Se was evaluated in plasma, erythrocytes and nails by using the method of hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy. Deficient Se intake was largely observed in the AD group. AD patients showed significantly lower Se levels in plasma, erythrocytes and nails (32.59 microg/l, 43.74 microg/l and 0.302 microg/g) when compared with the control group (50.99 microg/l, 79.16 microg/l and 0.400 microg/g). The results allowed us to suggest that AD has an important relation with Se deficiency.

As in pretty much all nutritional research, it's all frustratingly unclear.

BTW, the sodium selenate rodent study is the second of its kind, so looks like it may be for real (at least in an animal model).

Peter