Molecular medicine reports
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Selenium is an essential biological trace element. Adult daily intake of selenium should be approximately 100 µg per day. This compound has a two-sided effect depending on its concentration. ⋯ A lower redox state caused by selenium may be implicated in toxic diseases, such as alkali disease and blind staggers. Collectively, selenium seems to have both harmful and beneficial attributes. The aim of this review is to summarize the various biological functions of selenium and to illustrate its opposite roles as a pro-oxidant and an antioxidant.