Vitamins, minerals and supplements in the news
The 'super tomatoes' fortified with minerals that combat cancer
Ordinary tomatoes – which are already viewed as one of the superfoods – have been enriched with selenium, a powerful anti-oxidant that boosts the immune system and may prevent cancer.
.The mineral, found naturally in foods such as Brazil nuts, shellfish and liver, is also important for the thyroid gland, which determines how quickly the body uses energy and also produces proteins.
The new tomatoes, which cost £1.99 for 300g, have gone on sale in Marks & Spencer. Food scientists for the company turned their attention to the mineral because it is lacking in UK diets. Low concentrations in farm soil mean little of the mineral finds its way into home-grown foods. There is evidence that a deficiency may lead to heart disease and, while it does not tend to directly cause illnesses, it can make the body more likely to catch infections.
Another great source of Selenium and other essential vitamins A, C and E can be found in vitamins such as Principle Healthcare's Selenium, providing 100 microgrammes of selenium per tablet. This contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative damage and is also needed for the normal function of the immune system.
Dr Carina Norris, of the Nutrition Society, said:
‘Selenium plays an important role in supporting the immune system, and it’s thought that getting adequate selenium reduces our risk of cancer,’ she said.
‘But many people in the UK don’t get enough from their diets – the latest data suggests the average person consumes well below the (daily) target of 60microgrammes for women and 75 for men