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[Supplementary selenium , an antidote against mercury?]
A H Schuurs1, J Groten, W van Dokkum
1Vakgroep Cariologie en Endodontologie, Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA).
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Tandheelkunde
|April 1, 1996
Summary
High or low selenium intake has consequences. While mercury from dental amalgam could theoretically impact selenium
Area of Science:
- Nutritional science
- Toxicology
- Dental materials science
Context:
- Selenium is an essential trace element with a narrow therapeutic window.
- Dental amalgam, a common dental restorative material, contains mercury.
- Concerns exist regarding potential mercury release from amalgam and its interaction with selenium.
Purpose:
- To review the consequences of both high and low selenium intake.
- To evaluate the scientific literature on the potential impact of mercury from dental amalgam on selenium's protective functions.
- To assess the scientific basis for selenium supplementation in relation to dental amalgam exposure.
Summary:
- The article discusses the health effects associated with both excessive and deficient selenium consumption.
- It examines the hypothesis that mercury released from dental silver amalgam may interfere with selenium's protective roles.
- Current scientific literature does not provide substantial evidence to support this interaction.
- Given the small margin between safe and toxic selenium doses and the lack of consensus on amalgam mercury toxicity, selenium supplementation is not advised.
Impact:
- Informs healthcare professionals and the public about the current understanding of selenium-mercury interactions.
- Discourages unnecessary selenium supplementation due to potential risks and lack of proven benefit in this context.
- Highlights the importance of relying on scientific consensus for nutritional and therapeutic recommendations.