Is selenium beneficial for the human body? How to take this mineral?

Useful properties of selenium

There is not a single organ in the human body where selenium is not present. This element plays an important role in strengthening protective functions, as it is endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists note that the benefits of the chemical are based on the following positive properties: Activates the functioning of the circulatory system.

• Strengthens blood vessels, reduces the risk of plaque formation, protects the heart from damage;
• Normalizes the activity of the immune system.
• Able to prevent viral mutation;
• Responsible for the functioning of the thyroid gland.
• The product is involved in the regeneration of muscle cells and skin;
• Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Neutralizes the effect of free radicals, reducing the risk of developing malignant tumors.
• Participates in the restoration of skin, hair and nails

An optimal balance of selenium in the body also indicates strong immunity. This element is also an excellent antioxidant, so it protects cells from faster aging and at the same time has the ability to prevent neoplastic changes.

Selenium is also responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system. This helps not only maintain a good mood but also the ability to concentrate. It is believed to be able to prevent certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.

What is selenium, how is it beneficial for the body?

Selenium is a trace element, one of the minerals our body needs for proper and healthy functioning. The role of selenium for the human body is that it is part of selenoproteins, participates in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, protects DNA and cells from oxidative damage, and also improves the ability of the immune system to fight infections, bacteria and viruses.

In nature, selenium is present in two forms: organic and inorganic. Inorganic is contained in the soil, then transferred to plants and, through chemical reactions, takes on an organic form. These microelements can then enter animal bodies with plant foods and be deposited in skeletal muscles. A certain amount of selenium is also found in seafood, since this mineral can be found not only in the soil, but also in water.

Thus, a person can get selenium from food of plant and animal origin. The highest content of this mineral is found in:

• Brazil nuts and walnuts;
• tuna, halibut, sardines;
• ham, beef;
• products from grain crops.

It is impossible to name the exact selenium content in these and other products, since it depends on the selenium content in the water or soil in a particular area where fish were caught, grain products were grown, or feed for livestock, the meat of which is consumed by humans.

A couple more important notes: the level of selenium in any food is quite low, but with a balanced diet this should be enough for a healthy person. Heat treatment can further reduce the selenium content in food.

How is selenium beneficial for the human body?

Selenium deficiency is rare in healthy people, but a lack of this mineral can increase the risk or worsen the effects of HIV, Crohn's disease, Alzheimer's and many other diseases. In general, various scientists recommend increasing the dosage of selenium for dozens of different diseases: from asthma to arthritis, from dandruff to infertility. However, the results of their research still raise questions among the scientific community, so they need to be confirmed by control experiments.

The most common uses of selenium are for the following purposes:

• antioxidant effect;
• reducing the risk of cancer formation;
• protection of the cardiovascular system;
• preservation of mental abilities;
• maintaining thyroid health;
• strengthening the immune system.

Almost all of the beneficial properties of selenium are based on the fact that it is an antioxidant - these are compounds that prevent tissue damage from free radicals (metabolic by-products). Free radicals are necessary for the body, but tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, prolonged stress and even exercise can cause an excess of them. This leads to oxidative stress, which is too damaging to healthy cells.

The trace element selenium is useful for the body because it neutralizes excess free radicals. Thus, one of the key importance of selenium for the human body is the protection of tissues from oxidative damage.

This property of selenium for the body leads to another positive effect. While reducing oxidative stress, selenium protects deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from destruction and fights cancer cells. There are dozens of studies (the total number of their participants is more than 350 thousand people) that have proven that sufficient levels of selenium reduce the risk of cancer.

Other studies indicate the benefits of selenium for people undergoing radiotherapy treatment for malignant tumors. This microelement helps reduce numerous side effects of this type of therapy.

The next beneficial property of selenium for the human body is protecting the heart and blood vessels. The results of 25 scientific experiments showed that increasing selenium levels by one and a half times reduces the likelihood of problems with the cardiovascular system by almost a quarter. This is due to the fact that excessive oxidative processes lead to atherosclerosis and the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels - this can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Another reason why selenium is needed in the human body is to reduce the likelihood of the occurrence and progression of degenerative diseases. Additionally: Statistics show that most people with Alzheimer's disease are deficient in selenium. It is still difficult to say what in this fact is the cause and what is the effect. However, selenium supplementation has been shown to help improve memory and mental performance in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Another significant consequence of the antioxidant effect of selenium is the protection of the thyroid gland and its ability to produce hormones. The most selenium is found in the thyroid gland, so it is one of the most important elements for its functioning. The thyroid gland is very important as it regulates metabolism and ensures the growth and development of the entire body. Selenium deficiency is a common cause of thyroid dysfunction, such as autoimmune thyroiditis or hypothyroidism.

A final benefit of selenium as a body protector against oxidation is associated with strengthening the immune system. The health of any person depends on the immune system, which protects the body from pathogenic bacteria, viruses and parasites. Selenium deficiency harms immune cells and leads to a slower immune response. Additionally, studies indicate strengthening of immunity in people with AIDS, various types of influenza, tuberculosis and hepatitis C after increasing the dose of selenium.

Deficiency Symptoms

deficiency is often associated with problems with thyroid function. Moreover, they sometimes lead to heart failure, blood vessel disease and loss of immunity. A lack of selenium in the body can also lead to mental problems, as it often interferes with the functioning of certain neurotransmitters. This can lead to both depression and anxiety disorders.

Signs of selenium deficiency in the body are very similar to symptoms of deficiency of many microelements. When the level of this mineral is low, the following conditions develop:

• chronic fatigue;
• tendency to frequent colds;
• decreased vision;
• skin rashes;
• pain in muscle tissue;
• elevated serum cholesterol;
• deterioration of the function of the digestive organs.

In order to establish a microelement deficiency, it is necessary to donate blood to the laboratory. To prevent a deficiency of this substance and prevent the development of unpleasant symptoms, it is recommended to take courses of a complex with vitamins and minerals, which contains selenium.

Symptoms and causes of deficiency

This microelement is lacking when it comes from food in insufficient quantities. The risk of developing a deficiency increases as the body ages. A lack of selenium in a woman’s body can be detected by the following symptoms:

• chronic feeling of fatigue;
• increased fatigue;
• disruption of the functioning of the digestive system;
• development of cardiovascular pathologies;
• deterioration of the body's protective functions.

Selenium deficiency in women is reflected in the fact that their hair, skin and nails lose their healthy and well-groomed appearance. Lack of the mineral provokes premature aging of the body and leads to prolonged healing of damaged tissues.

List of diseases caused by deficiency

With low levels of selenium in the body, metabolic processes begin to slow down. As a result, excess weight appears and obesity develops. Similar changes occur more often among the fair sex. With prolonged selenium fasting, the risk of developing the following diseases increases:

• heart attack;
• diabetes mellitus;
• sclerosis;
• bronchial asthma;
• cardiac ischemia;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• arthritis.

With a decrease in selenium content, the likelihood of intrauterine abnormalities and premature birth increases. It has also been noted that people with low levels of the mineral age faster, their appearance deteriorates, and skin elasticity decreases.

It is important to take preparations with selenium as part of complex therapy for a malignant disease. It helps prevent further growth of pathological tissues and restores metabolic processes. When taking the mineral, recovery after completing a course of chemotherapy is accelerated.

The trace element promotes the removal of toxic substances from tissues, accelerates the regeneration of mucous organs, and normalizes the pH level in the digestive system.

The benefits of selenium for women

The benefits of this microelement are also invaluable in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, as well as thyroid diseases. Selenium is also good for the female reproductive system: it effectively fights diseases of the genital area. During pregnancy , when a woman has a very unstable emotional background, selenium will normalize the condition and provide the developing baby with all the necessary microelements and minerals.

The microelement is responsible for removing toxins , heavy metals, and poisons from the body. The useful substance promotes the regeneration of mucous membranes inside the body, restores the acid-base balance in the gastrointestinal tract, and improves intestinal microflora.

The powerful antioxidant selenium allows you to maintain skin elasticity longer; this effect is especially effective when taking vitamin E, which helps the longevity microelement be absorbed faster. The mineral selenium is necessary for the body to maintain healthy hair, accelerating its natural growth. If you have dandruff, the microelement included in the composition will effectively neutralize this problem.

The benefits of selenium for the female body are invaluable in the process of losing weight. Its property of accelerating metabolism has a positive effect on the rate of breakdown of stored fat, as a result of which a nutritious diet combined with exercise will give faster results. The only contraindication for use is an excessive dose of the microelement.

are expecting a child or are breastfeeding especially need more selenium During pregnancy this will be 60 mcg, and during breastfeeding - as much as 70 mcg.

Diode SELENIUM-ACTIVE dietary supplement - reviews

Vitalina Aleksandrovna
https://med-otzyv.ru/lekarstva/160-s/30584-selen-aktiv#scomments

This is not the first course I have been taking Selenium Active and I am very pleased. I try to take 1 tablet a day in the morning for 1 month at least 2 times a year. After such a course, in addition to improving my overall well-being, I always see an improvement in the condition of my skin and hair. Efficiency increases, it is easier to get up in the morning, there is no drowsiness during the day. Selenium Active is a truly effective food supplement. I recommend it to everyone!

Svetlana

https://www.medcentre.com.ua/review/36163-selen-aktiv

I saw Selenium active, I’m very happy, I’m 56, I felt great all summer, I’ve been gardening and I’m not tired like I was in previous years.

OLYA

https://vitaminki.guru/vitaminyi/selen-aktiv#comment-325

You should take vitamins with selenium once a year. These minerals are very difficult to obtain from food. You can choose any complex, the main thing is that you are not allergic to all its components.

mamka72

https://citykey.net/review/prosnis-i-poy

Advantages:

cheap, harmless

I recently noticed that my hair has started to fall out again. It’s a pity to cut it, it seems that during pregnancy and after childbirth it grew below the waist. But over the last six months they have become somewhat dull in appearance, they split again and fall out... Of course, I will have to trim a little, but I am going to maintain the main length. How? During my student years, life was hectic - there was stress, and I didn’t get enough sleep, and my diet was unstable and incorrect - that’s when I first noticed a problem with my hair.

A therapist I know advised me to take several courses of the Selenium-Active dietary supplement (of course, not in a row, but intermittently). The product is relatively inexpensive. After taking one course, my constant drowsiness suddenly disappeared, after two courses it seemed to me that my hair began to fall out less, and it seemed like I was getting less colds... Since breastfeeding is contraindications to taking the drug (and also individual intolerance), I can’t do it yet drink it, we are just finishing up with GW’s son, he is already a year and 5 months old). And when we finish, I think that I will definitely buy Selenium-Active. I recommend it.

vladislava11

https://otzovik.com/review_3225515.html

Advantages:

good dietary supplement

Flaws:

didn't reveal

When problems with the thyroid gland began, the endocrinologist prescribed me to take medications containing iodine and in combination with fortified preparations, among which was Selenium active. Selenium is an essential component for the human body. It allows iodine to be absorbed faster. After two months of taking it, I felt a surge of strength, began to feel more energetic, and the drowsiness and lethargy disappeared. Selenium active has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, removes toxins and harmful substances from the body. Taking the drug once every six months will not only have a positive effect on your well-being, but will also strengthen the body's protective functions. Tested for yourself!

ol83ru

https://otzovik.com/review_3978615.html

Advantages:

Effective, safe, inexpensive.

Flaws:

Causes appetite

One of the main rules for me is do not harm your body, but help it. namely: “Selenium-Active” provides constant antioxidant protection. In addition, I am an experienced smoker, and Selenium-Active, which in addition to selenium also contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid), protects against tobacco smoke poisoning, prevents liver destruction, and reduces the risk of developing bronchial asthma and cancer. After taking it, I noticed that the amount of hair falling out decreased and the nail plate became stronger. Immunity has increased. Good drug. The only drawback for me is that vitamin C awakens the appetite. But as they say, it is better to be healthy and rich than poor and sick) I will take the drug in a course. Be healthy!

Sergej 25

https://otzovik.com/review_3982083.html

Advantages:

increases performance,

Flaws:

price

I would like to write my review about the dietary supplement Selenium-Active. I have been taking it for 3 years. Selenium-Active is available in tablets weighing 0.25 g. Recommended as an additional source of selenium and vitamin C. I take 1 tablet per day with meals. I don’t take it regularly, but only when I don’t feel very well. I noticed that after taking it my performance increased and my sleep improved. According to the instructions, Selenium-Active can be taken regularly, in courses, with a break of 10 days. There are also contraindications, so be sure to read the instructions before use. Recently, the price of the drug has increased significantly, but we still periodically buy it at the pharmacy.

tuulos

https://otzovik.com/review_1073797.html

Advantages:

really improves tone

Flaws:

No

Age comes and health recedes, I read a lot of literature about what the body lacks with age. I liked the articles about the lack of selenium in food, as I understood it was due to the use of chemical rather than natural fertilizers. Selenium is an element in the human body's tuning device. I’ve been taking Selenium-Active for a month now, and I can say that I feel noticeably better after taking it. The mood is excellent, the ability to work increases. It really helps after a hectic weekend. Only “Selenium-Active” cannot be taken constantly and on an empty stomach; the course is designed for one month, and then a break for two weeks. I recommend - try it, the price is ridiculous and if it doesn’t help you won’t lose anything, but if it helps I’ll be glad.

The benefits of selenium for men

Experts say that the substance is necessary to support men's health. But to answer the question of why a man’s body needs selenium in more detail, one should understand its effect on organs and systems.

Selenium is involved in the synthesis of the main hormone of the strong half of humanity - testosterone, and ensures normal functioning of the prostate. Supports sexual desire, improves sperm motility and ejaculate quality. Moreover, it resists the appearance of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.

Selenium deficiency in men threatens deterioration of physical and mental condition. Shortness of breath, rapid fatigue appear, and the feeling of anxiety worsens. A lack of microelement in the body will also affect the appearance (rapid aging, baldness).

It has been established that the average daily requirement for an adult representative of the stronger sex is 70-110 mcg of selenium. This is a relative indicator calculated for a healthy person.

It should be borne in mind that the microelement is excreted from the man’s body along with sperm. Therefore, those who have an active sex life (or even just masturbate regularly) must replenish their levels of the chemical compound. The same should be done during intense physical activity, for example, during intense sports training (mostly strength training).

Prophylactic dosages

Most people have a reduced level of selenium in the body, so you can safely drink any complex containing this trace element. Currently, preparations and dietary supplements with selenium are available in pharmacies.

The daily norm is considered to be a dosage of 1 mcg per kg of body weight. It can be increased during pregnancy, lactation, as well as during intense exercise in gyms. A specialist can help you calculate the optimal dose.

What foods contain selenium?

What does selenium contain? Where to look for it? Selenium in food, if you follow a properly balanced diet, brings much more benefits than possible harm. Brazil nuts in particular . Large amounts of this element are also found in salmon, as well as other fish, seafood, chicken eggs, buckwheat, pork, cheese, white rice and chocolate. It is worth remembering that it is best absorbed with protein, and in the company of vitamins, and. It is worth providing yourself with the right amount of this element in your diet. However, if you are deficient, organic selenium supplements are your best bet.

The microelement enters the human body only with food. Selenium in organic form is considered the most absorbable. There is a lot of it in Brazil nuts and walnuts, legumes, seafood, and broccoli. There is also enough selenium in foods such as garlic, lard, corn, tuna, and coconut. Its quantity decreases during cooking. The richest content is considered to be unprocessed food.

An important role of selenium is to build beautiful appearance . Selenium is essential for the health and beauty of hair, nails and skin. With a normal concentration of selenium in the body, the skin becomes elastic and smooth, and the face acquires clear outlines. Hair grows faster and becomes stronger, reducing the risk of dandruff. Nails acquire a healthy shine.

In addition to external beauty, selenium helps in the fight against excess weight . It perfectly breaks down fat deposits, making diet and exercise more effective.

This microelement affects the physiological processes in a woman’s body. It normalizes the menstrual cycle, delays the onset of menopause, improves the psycho-emotional state, and reduces the severity of PMS.

Selenium – functions, sources, relationship with gut microbiota and impact on COVID-19 infection

27.07.2020

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that exists in the form of selenocysteine ​​(Sec), the 21st amino acid necessary for the body to function. This microelement is involved in the synthesis of selenoproteins, which have pronounced antioxidant activity and affect the synthesis of thyroid hormones. It has also been proven that selenium has anti-inflammatory activity by influencing the activation of macrophages, NF-κB- and PPARγ-dependent pathways, and, thus, is involved in the mechanism of development of Crohn's disease, which is detected among individuals with selenium deficiency more often in comparison with individuals with the microelement level is within normal values. In addition, selenium reduces the activity of TGF-β (transforming growth factor) receptors located on the surface of various cells, including malignant ones. Selenium deficiency may interfere with the suppression of TGF-β activity in malignant cells, and thereby increase the risk of developing malignant neoplasms. Selenium deficiency can also lead to the development of congestive cardiomyopathy - Keshan disease. At the same time, long-term consumption of large amounts (more than 400 mcg per day) of the microelement, which occurs with an overdose of food additives with a high content of it, is manifested by the development of selenite (the main symptoms are dyspeptic complaints, diarrhea, fragility of hair and nails, and the development of neuropathy).

The daily value of selenium for an adult ranges from 55 to 110 mcg per day, and should be increased to 150 mcg for individuals performing heavy physical work. Selenium is not produced in the human body, but is found in water, soil and food. Animal sources of selenium include the internal organs of mammals, such as the liver and kidneys, as well as any seafood and fish. Significant plant sources include cauliflower, spinach, corn, peas, as well as cereals and grains. The largest amount of selenium is found in nuts, among which the Brazil nut is considered the record holder - 100 grams of this product contains about 25 daily norms of selenium.

The literature provides data on the relationship between the amount of selenium in the blood serum and the composition of the intestinal microbiota. In the course of the studies, it was found that a normal level of selenium in the blood serum, in comparison with its deficiency, is associated with an increase in the number of bacteria of the family Porphyromonadaceae, belonging to the genus Bacteroides, and the species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii of the type Firmicutes, as well as with a decrease in the number of bacteria of the genus Parabacteroides of the type Bacterodes. In addition, it was found that bacterial cells use selenium to produce their own selenoproteins, thereby reducing its levels in the blood serum.

In recent months, selenium has received increased attention from the medical community due to its suspected impact on the development of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19. Low levels of selenium and selenoproteins have been shown to be associated with higher morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19: for example, a study conducted by a group of German authors noted that the average selenium level in patients who died as a result of COVID-19 infection was was significantly reduced compared to recovered patients (40.8 ± 8.1 versus 53.3 ± 16.2 μg/L), as was the level of selenoprotein P (2.1 ± 0.9 versus 3.3 ± 1.3 mg/l). It is known that one of the forms of selenium, sodium selenite, has the ability to oxidize thiol groups in the viral protein disulfide isomerase, reducing the ability of the virus to penetrate the membrane of healthy cells. This effect could potentially be used to combat the coronavirus epidemic and requires further study, as well as other effects of this trace element.

Sources:

1. IlektraTakopoulou-Mavrona. The effect of selenium on the gut microbiota and intestinal mucosa. 2021.
2. Jelena Krstić, Drenka Trivanović, Slavko Mojsilović, Juan F. Santibanez. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta and Oxidative Stress Interplay: Implications in Tumorigenesis and Cancer Progression. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2015
3. Marek Kieliszek, Boguslaw Lipinski. Selenium supplementation in the prevention of coronavirus infections (COVID-19). Med Hypotheses, 2021.
4. Jinsong Zhang, Ethan Will Taylor, Kate Bennett, Ramy Saad, Margaret P Rayman. Association between regional selenium status and reported outcome of COVID-19 cases in China. Am J Clin Nutr., 2020.

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Excess selenium - can it be harmful?

Unlike many other elements, excess selenium in the body is not a particularly rare phenomenon. This is due to the fact that its recommended value is close to the toxic dose. Therefore, selenium intake should be planned very carefully. The level of this substance should be checked before you start taking selenium tablets.

Excess selenium may be associated with nervous system problems, including mood swings or depression, persistent fatigue, and weight loss without any other apparent cause. This condition is also characterized by a garlic-like breath odor.

Harm of selenium to the body

There are some possible health risks when taking selenium supplements. The maximum dose of selenium per day is 400 mcg for adults. Selenium toxicity due to overdose is rare, especially when the mineral is obtained from food sources, but overdosing with highly concentrated supplements can cause negative effects.

These consequences include:

• garlicky breath and metallic taste in the mouth;
• brittle nails;
• tooth decay;
• gastrointestinal problems such as nausea;
• neurological abnormalities;
• fatigue and irritability;
• skin lesions and rashes;
• hair loss.

Selenium intake standards

As mentioned above, a person does not need much selenium to maintain his health:

• for small children under 3 years old, 20 mcg/day is sufficient;
• up to 8 years - 30 mcg/day;
• up to 14 years - 40 mcg/day;
• children over 14 and adults - 55 mcg/day.

Selenium deficiency can occur in patients with impaired bowel function, as well as in people who eat food grown in selenium-deficient soil. An increased need occurs during pregnancy and breastfeeding - during these periods, women need 60 and 70 mcg/day, respectively. During times of stress or regular physical activity, it is also recommended to increase the selenium dose to at least 70 mcg per day. An even higher dosage is necessary for people with certain diseases: malignant tumors, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, sclerosis, diseases that impair the functioning of the thyroid gland, and cardiovascular diseases. However, in any of these cases, the daily dosage of selenium should be prescribed by a doctor.

Important! An adult should not exceed a dosage of 400 micrograms per day, including selenium obtained from dietary supplements and food.

The mineral, taken in doses prescribed by a doctor, does not cause side effects. But a significant overdose can cause bad breath, fever, nausea, and in some cases, liver, kidney, and heart problems.

Signs of overdose

When selenium is taken in increased quantities, unpleasant reactions may occur in the form of nausea and nervousness. A sure sign of an overdose is the appearance of a garlic taste in the mouth. With an excess of the mineral, the quality of the nail plate and hair deteriorates, and the likelihood of developing skin erythema, liver and bronchi damage increases.

Selenium is a valuable microelement that affects all functions of the body. At a sufficient level, health and youth are preserved for many years. Daily intake of fresh foods rich in selenium, as well as course use of a vitamin and mineral complex, helps prevent the development of serious diseases.

Selenium is essential for the proper functioning of the body. However, too much can be just as harmful as too little, so before deciding to supplement, you should check your selenium blood levels and it's best to consult your doctor.

Thank you for reading the article and we hope it was useful for you! Sincerely )