Selenium and the central nervous system:
Selenium and depression:
A study in 1995 by James D. Penland assessed the mood in 30 male volunteers and compared half of the men with a selenium rich diet of 240 mcg per day with the other half with an intake of 28 mcg of selenium per day. The selenium concentration was followed by checking levels in red blood cells and selenium dependent enzyme levels every 3 weeks. Men with more active selenium enzymes were found to have a better mood after being asked about six different states of mood. (14)
Selenium and Alzheimer’s disease:
Loef M et al reviewed 9 placebo controlled clinical trials which tested selenium supplements for their effect on Alzheimer’s disease. Their conclusion was that there was no consistent proven benefit of selenium supplements for use in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. (15)