Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in various physiological functions of the human body.
Among its many benefits, it has been extensively studied for its antioxidant properties, immune system support, cardiovascular health promotion, thyroid function maintenance, and cancer prevention effects.
Selenium acts as a vital cofactor for antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, which protects cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
This protective action is essential in reducing cell aging, chronic diseases, and the risk of cancer.
Key Benefits and Effects of Selenium
1. Antioxidant Activity
Selenium is a critical component of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that prevents oxidative damage to cells and helps delay aging. This contributes to lowering the risk of various chronic diseases and cancers.
2. Immune System Support
Selenium enhances immune response, helping to protect the body from infections and diseases. Selenium deficiency is associated with weakened immunity, particularly making the body more susceptible to viral infections.
3. Cardiovascular Health
Selenium’s antioxidant properties also benefit cardiovascular health. It reduces inflammation and helps prevent atherosclerosis. A deficiency in selenium is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
4. Thyroid Function Maintenance
Selenium is essential for the metabolism of thyroid hormones, which play a crucial role in regulating metabolism. A deficiency in selenium can lead to thyroid dysfunction, such as hypothyroidism.
5. Cancer Prevention
Selenium can help reduce the risk of cancer by decreasing oxidative stress within cells. Several studies suggest that selenium may contribute to lowering the risk of specific cancers, particularly prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers.
Oxidative stress can impair mitochondrial function, leading to fatigue, aging, and various diseases. Selenium serves as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, including those that affect mitochondria.
In Doselab, selenium is included to strengthen the essential antioxidant defense mechanisms needed to maintain mitochondrial health. Selenium also contributes to Doselab’s core goals of supporting consistent cellular health and activation.
It goes beyond mere fatigue recovery by promoting fundamental energy enhancement and protection at the cellular level.
References
1. Rayman, M. P. (2000). The importanceum to human health. Lancet, 356(9225), 233-241.
2. Hoffmann, P. R., & Berry, M. J. (2008). The influence of selenium on immune responses. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 52(11), 1273-1280.
3. Flores-Mateo, G., Navas-Acien, A., Pastor-Barriuso, R., & Guallar, E. (2006). Selenium and coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 84(4), 762-773.
4. Köhrle, J., & Schweizer, U. (2007). Selenium and thyroid hormone biosynthesis. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 21(2), 133-148.
5. Vinceti, M., Filippini, T., Del Giovane, C., et al. (2018). Selenium for preventing cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1).
6. Finkel, T., & Holbrook, N. J. (2000). Oxidants, oxidative stress and the biology of ageing. Nature, 408(6809), 239-247.
7. Wallace, D. C. (2005). A mitochondrial paradigm of metabolic and degenerative diseases, aging, and cancer: a dawn for evolutionary medicine. Annual Review of Genetics, 39, 359-407.
Your Health Supporter: Selenium
