The Benefits of Selenium

Selenium

Selenium (L-Selenomethionine) is a trace mineral with powerful antioxidant properties, helping protect cells from oxidative stress. It supports thyroid function by aiding in the production of active thyroid hormones. Selenium also boosts immunity, playing a crucial role in fighting infections and maintaining cardiovascular health. It is vital for overall well-being, even in small amounts.

Key highlights of Selenium:

• Helps grow healthy nails and hair
• Fights against premature ageing
• Stimulates the immune system
• Has anti-inflammatory actions
• Protects bones and joints
• Powerful antioxidant
• Supports thyroid health through aiding in the production of thyroid hormones

Biochemistry Timeline

Selenium supplementation may take 2-3 months to improve thyroid function and bolster immune health.

What is Selenium?

Though largely unknown, the trace mineral (meaning the body only needs a small amount of it) Selenium is an extremely important nutrient, key to the healthy functioning of the immune system. As a natural antioxidant it works to protect our cells against free radicals; unstable molecules which, when left unchecked have the potential to create oxidative damage in the body that can lead to disease and premature ageing.

By binding to toxic metals, such as mercury, selenium can help to remove them from the body. It is also needed for the production of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland is involved in metabolism – the process of turning food into energy.

The level of selenium in our food is dependent on the amount present in the soil where it’s grown. Unfortunately, deficiency is widespread throughout the world as soils are heavily depleted of this essential nutrient.

Food sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, seafood, grains, cereals, broccoli, cabbage and dairy products.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions selenium helps to support the immune system and lower inflammation in the body.

Autoimmune diseases may develop when the body’s own defence system attacks itself. Selenium can support people with autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ Disease and lead to an improved quality of life.

Levels of inflammation increase with age and are strongly associated with chronic disease, disability and increased mortality. Data from studies show that supplementing with selenium is effective at reducing inflammatory conditions.

Although the research is inconclusive, there is some scientific evidence which suggests that Selenium may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer.

Anti-ageing

Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and nails. It also helps to protect the body from free radicals (unstable molecules) which if left unchecked can lead to oxidative damage that promotes premature ageing.

Thyroid Health

The thyroid gland which regulates metabolism requires selenium to produce thyroid hormones; one of the signs of insufficient thyroid hormone is thinning hair and sparse eyebrow growth. Weight gain due to a decreased metabolic rate is another symptom associated with low thyroid hormone.

Bones & Joints

Selenium is an essential nutrient which appears to be involved in bone health. This role is thought to be in regulating inflammation, and immune function and preventing the breakdown of bone that can result in diseases such as osteoporosis.

Management of Joint Conditions

These beneficial actions are thought to be the reason why selenium can offer protection against painful conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Interestingly, in one study they found that patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis were more likely to have low levels of selenium.

Summary

Selenium (L-Selenomethionine) is a trace mineral with potent antioxidant properties that protect cells from oxidative stress. It supports thyroid function by aiding in hormone production and boosts immunity, crucial for fighting infections and promoting cardiovascular health. Supplementation may take 2-3 months for noticeable improvements in thyroid and immune health. Selenium also contributes to healthy hair and nails, combats premature aging, reduces inflammation, and protects bones. Food sources include Brazil nuts, seafood, grains, and vegetables. While generally safe, excessive intake can lead to toxicity, so it’s important to follow recommended dosages and consult a healthcare provider if needed.

FAQs

Can I get enough selenium from my diet? Yes, selenium can be obtained from foods like Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, eggs, and whole grains. However, supplementation may be beneficial for those with low dietary intake.

Are there any side effects of selenium supplementation? Excessive selenium can lead to toxicity, with symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, and hair loss. Stick to recommended dosages to avoid side effects.

Can selenium interact with medications? Yes, selenium can interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting thyroid function and blood sugar levels. Consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

Research:

1. Hoffmann, P. R., & Berry, M. J. (2008). The influence of selenium on immune responses. Molecular nutrition & food research, 52(11), 1273–1280.
2. Ventura, M., Melo, M., & Carrilho, F. (2017). Selenium and Thyroid Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment. International journal of endocrinology, 2017, 1297658.
3. Huang, Z., Rose, A. H., & Hoffmann, P. R. (2012). The role of selenium in inflammation and immunity: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 16(7), 705–743.
4. Zeng, H., Cao, J. J., & Combs, G. F., Jr (2013). Selenium in bone health: roles in antioxidant protection and cell proliferation. Nutrients, 5(1), 97–110.
5. Tarp, U., Overvad, K., Hansen, J. C., & Thorling, E. B. (1985). Low selenium level in severe rheumatoid arthritis. Scandinavian journal of rheumatology, 14(2), 97–101.
6. Xu, M., Guo, D., Gu, H., Zhang, L., & Lv, S. (2016). Selenium and Preeclampsia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Biological trace element research, 171(2), 283–292.
7. Tara, F., Maamouri, G., Rayman, M. P., Ghayour-Mobarhan, M., Sahebkar, A., Yazarlu, O., Ouladan, S., Tavallaie, S., Azimi-Nezhad, M., Shakeri, M. T., Boskabadi, H., Oladi, M., Sangani, M. T., Razavi, B. S., & Ferns, G. (2010). Selenium supplementation and the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnant Iranian women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Taiwanese journal of obstetrics & gynecology, 49(2), 181–187.
8. Sahib, A, S., Al-Anbari, H, H., Salih, M., & Abdullah, F. (2012). Effects of Oral Antioxidants on Lesion Counts Associated with Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Patients with Papulopustular Acne. Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research, 3 (5), 1-6
9. Hurst, R., Hooper, L., Norat, T., Lau, R., Aune, D., Greenwood, D. C., Vieira, R., Collings, R., Harvey, L. J., Sterne, J. A., Beynon, R., Savović, J., & Fairweather-Tait, S. J. (2012). Selenium and prostate cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 96(1), 111–122.
10. Genchi, G., Lauria, G., Catalano, A., Sinicropi, M. S., & Carocci, A. (2023). Biological Activity of Selenium and Its Impact on Human Health. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(3), 2633.
11. Filippini, T., Fairweather-Tait, S., & Vinceti, M. (2023). Selenium and immune function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental human studies. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 117(1), 93–110.