Selenium Methyl Selenocysteine Selenium in Broccoli and Garlic

Which Selenium?
Sodium selenite, selenomethionine, selenium cysteine---how can we tell which is the most valuable form of this trace metal that is an integral part of the body's defense mechanism?* Or are they all the same?

Now along comes the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture,** which is trying to develop vegetables that are especially good at drawing selenium from the soil (from where it comes,) with some surprising discoveries.

It turns out that the type most usable by the body is called Selenium Methyl selenocysteine. And the food richest in this form is broccoli. The other selenium champion is garlic.

Another surprising finding is that the most actively produced and sold to the public, selenomethione (SeMSC, found in grains) was ineffective in stopping cancer induced in animal tests! One should not blame the sellers since this is a brand-new discovery. Another form, selenate was helpful though inferior to SeMSC.

*Glutathione Peroxidase.
**Agri. Rsearch, June, 2000.