Interrelationship Between Selenium and Specific Trace Elements

Abstract

The pattern in the distribution and excretion of selenium in the presence of other trace elements varied from one trace element to the other and with the mode of injection. The precise mechanism by which Te6+, As5+, Cd2+, or Zn2+ alter the metabolism of Se4 is not known. Whether the resulting effect between two trace elements is due to competition for an active site on a biologically active compound, or competition for an active transport carrier across a cell membrane, or masking by complexing remains a matter of pure speculation. It has been shown that certain trace elements have a significant effect on the normal metabolism and excretion of selenium. Evidence suggests that there is a reaction between selenium and zinc and cadmium, while selenium appears to prevent arsenic and tellurium from reaching target tissues.