Lately, more value of the trace mineral selenium in regards to human health has come to light. Existing studies point to this mineral can play a significant role in defensive the body from serious disease and illness. Selenium works as an antioxidant with glutathione peroxidase to stop harm by free radicals. It is concerned in the metabolism of prostaglandin which is used by the body in various ways. Selenium detoxifies toxic metals there in the body similar to arsenic and mercury.
Selenium is one of the most significant micronutrients to include in a long life minded health regimen and is often cited by antiaging specialists as an antioxidant that should be built-in on a life extension checklist. Selenium is important in the body's continuing fight against free radical cell damage. In the body, selenium is the source of selenoproteins, which are crucial anti-oxidant enzymes that defend cells from the damage of free radicals. A number of researches have connected free radicals to certain types of heart disease and cancer.
This trace mineral is necessary to a lot of body functions and can be found in every body cell, but particularly in the kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas, and testes. In males, about half of the body's selenium concentrates in the testicles and parts of the seminal ducts around the prostate gland.
In actuality, selenium and vitamin E, one more powerful antioxidant, are synergists, meaning they each get better the efficiency of the other.
A number of studies point to that selenium can be useful in the treatment of acne, while other research indicate that it may be helpful in repairing chromosome damage. It may counteract heavy metals and other contaminants that find their method into the body. Selenium may also help in the prevention of undesired and unsafe blood clots.
The amount of selenium provide by plant sources depends a great deal on the soil excellence in which the plants were full-grown. Poor soil will yield plants that may not give the correct levels of selenium. Those who follow a vegetarian diet, particularly a vegan diet, must be tremendously vigilant in making sure they eat sufficient selenium in their every day diets.
Sources of selenium
A number of natural sources of selenium are red meat, Brazil nuts, garlic, fish and grains.
Other sources of selenium are Lobster, tuna, shrimp, chicken, lamb, veal, oats, oysters, herring, liver, egg, ham, beef, bacon, brown rice, garlic, mushrooms, red grapes, broccoli, wheat germ, whole grains and sesame seeds.
Benefits of selenium
The trace mineral selenium functions first and foremost as a component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GP), which works with vitamin E in preventing free radical damage to cell membranes.
The growth of cataracts is in the end connected to free-radical damage. The lenses of the eye require adequate levels of SOD, catalase, and GP. Studies have established that low selenium levels have been established in cataract sufferers.
Selenium is concerned with the manufacture of thyroid hormone.
Selenium's involvement in the production of glutathione peroxidase affects all aspects of immunity. Selenium supplementation results in augmentation or restoration of immune function, stimulating white blood cell and thymus function.
Selenium supplementation appears to boost HDL to LDL cholesterol and inhibit platelet aggregation (blood stickiness). The generally benefits on the cardiovascular system stem from the antioxidant effects of glutathione peroxidase.
A number of studies indicate that selenium can be helpful in the treatment of acne , while other research indicate that it may be helpful in repairing chromosome damage.
Selenium and GP levels are low in inflammatory circumstances such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis. GP is particularly significant in reducing inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Selenium can also help in the prevention of undesired and unsafe blood clots.
Selenium has been shown to be necessary for normal fetal enlargement and growth. Selenium levels also come into view to be very low in low birth weight babies.
Selenium also helps in cure and prevention of dandruff.
Deficiency symptoms of selenium
Although deficiencies in this mineral are rare, a deficiency in selenium may supply to the growth of cancer and heart disease, immune problems, inflammatory circumstances typically of the skin, muscular weakness and fatigue.
Researchers have found 3 debilitating diseases that are straight associated to serious selenium deficiency. These include Keshan Disease, Myxedematous Endemic Cretinism and Kashin-Beck Disease.
Symptoms of high intake
Large amounts can be toxic, and selenium supplements, similar to any other dietary supplement, should be reserved well out of the reach of children.
Toxicity symptoms can include nervousness, perspiration, loss of hair and fingernails, discolored skin, weakness, depression, nausea, vomiting, garlic odor to breath and liver damage.
Daily requirement
The RDA for selenium is 55 to 70mcg, and recommendations include 50 to 200 mcg.
Selenium can be toxic in high dosages, but for short term use recommendation range from 300-600mcg and for long time use dosage should be no more than 300 to400mcg per day.
