Created: 3/21/2010 11:39:53 AM 
France -- A new study out of France finds that men with higher selenium levels were less likely to develop blood sugar problems and type two diabetes as they aged. But before you rush out to buy the supplement, it appears that the levels of selenium in european foods may differ from what we find on american tables.
The role of selenium in the onset of diabetes is controversial. Several studies have actually found high levels raise the risk for diabetes.
So why did the European study seem to come to the opposite conclusion? People in the country generally have lower levels of selenium in their diets than Americans, because their foods are often grown in soils less rich in the mineral.
According to the European Studies' authors, the men in the study may have been protected from the onset of type two diabetes because they were getting what is considered a healthy amount of selenium in their diets.
The study authors say there is no need for healthy Americans, men or women to take selenium supplements. Most Americans get the proper amount in their diets and too much may be harmful.
The bottom line is you must continue to eat a healthy diet. If you are concerned about your selenium levels, check with your doctor.
CNN Pathfire
