[The significance of selenium supply].

Selenium deficiency leads in animal and man to rare diseases, which are unknown in Switzerland. Epidemiologically there is a negative correlation between selenium intake and the incidence of certain cancers, possibly also with cardiovascular mortality. It is unknown whether the antioxidative protection by the selenium-containing enzyme glutathione-peroxidase is the only and decisive pathogenetic mechanism. The selenium supply in Switzerland is only partially investigated. It seems to be on the lower limit of the RDA, but does not justify increased selenium intake generally or in potential risk groups.