Selenium is an essential component of various enzymes and proteins, called selenoproteins, that help to make DNA and protect against cell damage and infections; these proteins are also involved in reproduction and the metabolism of thyroid hormones. The benefits of supplementing with Selenium :
- Supporting the immune system – Thanks to the way selenium benefits your immune system, having optimal levels can help prevent infection and illness.
- Aid turning food into energy – Selenium concentration is higher in the thyroid gland than in any other organ in the body. A selenium benefit is its important function in thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism.
- Maintaining normal hair and nails – This is because this nutrient supports the regulation of iodine, which your thyroid needs. It is the thyroid which then is responsible for the growth of your hair and nails. Supporting your beauty from within starts with hair, skin, and nails vitamins.
- Protect cells from oxidative stress – Another of the benefits of selenium is its role as an antioxidant. By helping to reduce the number of free-radicals by neutralising them. Removing these excess free radicals helps protect cells from damage. This is also a benefit of zinc, which can be taken to contribute to this essential health process.
- Reduce risk of selenium deficiency – Selenium benefits are vital for the body, and so a low intake can cause deficiency. This leads to side effects which can damage your health. Ensuring proper mineral levels can reduce your risk of this, and help you experience the benefits of selenium.
- Reducing inflammation – Selenoproteins help prevent the oxidative modification of lipids, reducing inflammation and preventing platelets from aggregating. It’s suggested that selenium supplements could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease or deaths associated with cardiovascular disease.
- Spermatogenesis – The process of spermatogenesis is aided by this mineral. This process is the maturation of sperm cells within the male reproductive organs. Selenium benefits this process by protecting sperm from damage or mutations while they are vulnerable in their development. The mineral is also present within the tail of sperm cells, so naturally, these cells are sensitive to low levels.
- Helping elderly function – Serum selenium concentrations decline with age. Marginal or deficient nutrients concentrations might be associated with age-related declines in brain function, possibly due to decreases in selenium’s antioxidant activity. Maintaining proper nutrient levels is therefore crucial as you age.
- Signs of a deficiency :
- FatigueThis nonspecific symptom is, unfortunately, quite common with a number of mineral deficiencies. It’s frequently reported with selenium deficiency, too, and may have to do with the role this mineral plays in your normal thyroid function.
2. Foggy mental state
Mental fog can happen if your selenium intake dips low enough to cause deficiency. This symptom is also nonspecific but may help your healthcare provider diagnose you when considered in combination with other symptoms.
One study did find that low selenium levels were associated with poorer function on cognitive tests by older adults, though the researchers say that more research is needed.
3. Weakened immune system
Low levels of selenium may make you more susceptible to infectious diseases or even turn other harmless pathogens into life-threatening illnesses.
Researchers believe this happened in the cases of Keshan disease, which gained attention after affecting a region of China where the soil was particularly deficient in selenium. This disease is caused by selenium deficiency combined with infection with coxsackievirus (the virus responsible for hand, foot, and mouth disease).
Research revealed that selenium deficiency amplifies the virus’s ability to cause cardiotoxicity, a condition in which there’s damage to the heart muscle that can compromise blood flow.
4. Hair loss
Thyroid hormones play an important role in hair growth and regeneration. Without selenium, the production of thyroid hormone is slowed. The cells in hair follicles respond to this drop in thyroid hormone, and your hair may fall out faster than usual.
5. Muscle weakness
When we think of muscles, we think of our skeletal muscles specifically and forget about our cardiac muscles. Skeletal muscle disorders that cause weakness, pain, and fatigue have been reported in patients with low selenium levels.
But selenium deficiency is also known to affect the heart muscles, as it does in the case of Keshan disease. Muscle weakness can also happen with patients receiving parenteral nutrition (when they’re “fed” nutrition through an IV, bypassing the digestive system entirely) because liquid nutrition tends to be low in this micronutrient.
6. Infertility
Deficiencies in this micronutrient can not only cause issues with infertility but also problems during gestation if a woman is able to get pregnant.
There’s a correlation between selenium levels and fertility, but low levels in the early stages of pregnancy are also associated with miscarriage, low birth weight, and damage to the immune and nervous systems of the fetus.
- 90 tabs. 200mcg per tab.
- Suggested use: one per day after food.
Disclaimer: Do not exceed the stated dose. Not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult your health professional if taking medication or have an existing medical condition. Food supplement: should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. We are not responsible for any adverse reactions to our products.
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