How is selenium useful for the human body? Selenium - characteristics of the substance with photos; determination of its daily norm for the human body; excess and deficiency; list of sources. Why is selenium balance in the body important?
![How is selenium useful for the human body? Selenium - characteristics of the substance with photos; determination of its daily norm for the human body; excess and deficiency; list of sources. Why is selenium balance in the body important?](https://i2.wp.com/ekolekar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/selen-defitsit.jpg)
For a long time, the microelement selenium was considered a poison. It was only in 1973 that scientists proved that this substance is vital for humans. It is involved in many biochemical reactions and regulates hormonal levels. However, in large doses this mineral is toxic and can cause severe poisoning.
What is selenium, the role of selenium in the human body
Selenium (Se) is a chemical element included in the formulas of more than 200 hormones, enzymes and proteins. The adult body contains an average of 10-15 mg of this substance. It concentrates in the liver, kidneys, and genitals. A small amount of the mineral is found in hair, nails, and skin cells.
Due to its high chemical and biological activity, Se is involved in many processes occurring in the body:
Regulates metabolism. Selenium is extremely important for the thyroid gland. It ensures the production of thyroxine deiodinase. This enzyme activates the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and are also responsible for the maturation of neurons. In addition, Se promotes the complete absorption of iodine and prevents damage to the thyroid gland by free radicals.
Increases immunity. Recent studies have shown that the level of Se in the blood of HIV-infected people is 15 times lower than normal. The trace element increases the activity of white blood cells, increasing the body's resistance not only to colds, but also to other viral diseases (hepatitis, herpes, etc.).
Restores the liver and kidneys. Se activates regeneration processes in cirrhosis, fatty degeneration, and diabetes. It has a choleretic effect and improves mineral metabolism, helping to break up kidney stones.
Improves reproductive function. By ensuring the synthesis of testosterone, Se helps improve sperm quality and is used to prevent male infertility. This substance also affects female hormonal levels. It has been proven that selenium helps prevent the development of many gynecological pathologies and delay the onset of menopause.
Supports heart health. An important function of selenium is the synthesis of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone), which accumulates in the heart and acts as a barrier that protects cells from free radicals. A lack of this microelement increases the risk of developing coronary disease by 70%. Selenium also normalizes the amount of cholesterol in the blood and prevents the formation of plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
Removes heavy metals. By binding to molecules of mercury, arsenic, and lead, Se neutralizes them and promotes faster removal of toxins from the body.
Reduces the risk of cancer. Selenium in the body functions as an antioxidant and is involved in the production of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which protects cells from oxidation. By strengthening and restoring cell membranes, it reduces the risk of DNA damage, the main cause of cancer, by 40%.
Read also Which foods have the highest potassium content, daily value?
This microelement is especially important for the health of pregnant women and newborns. The baby’s body does not yet have its own reserves of the mineral, so its immunity depends on the amount of selenium contained in breast milk.
Daily norm, deficiency and excess of selenium
The average daily intake of Se is 50-110 mcg. The physiological need for this microelement depends on gender, age, and lifestyle. Thus, for people who engage in heavy physical labor, it increases by 1.5-2 times, and for HIV-infected people - by almost 4000%. Children require 10 to 50 mcg Se per day.
Selenium deficiency develops if the body receives less than 5 mcg per day for a long time. Its main symptoms are:
fatigue, deterioration of physical endurance and mental performance;
decreased immunity, manifested by frequent colds;
long healing of cuts and scratches;
blurred vision;
fragility of hair and nail plates;
the appearance of skin diseases - dermatitis, eczema;
causeless weight gain.
A long-term deficiency of selenium can provoke the development of pathologies of the thyroid gland, coronary heart disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Most often, the cause of deficiency is the abuse of sugary waters, desserts, and fast food. Such foods contain large amounts of fast carbohydrates, which contribute to the destruction of minerals.
Excess selenium is less common and is most often associated with exceeding the recommended dosage of selenium-containing drugs. It develops with systematic consumption of more than 400-500 mcg of mineral per day. Signs of excess include redness of the skin due to dilation of capillaries, nausea, the appearance of a garlic odor from the mouth, nausea. In severe cases, liver function is impaired and focal inflammatory processes begin in the lungs.
For the female body
According to WHO, the daily intake of Se for women is 55-60 mcg. Selenium is especially important for a woman’s body during pregnancy and lactation. At this time, the need for this microelement increases to 200 mcg per day. Se helps normalize hormonal levels, alleviate the symptoms of toxicosis and recover faster after childbirth.
Read also List of the best vitamin complexes with high magnesium content
During breastfeeding, this substance helps strengthen the mother’s immunity and avoid exacerbation of chronic diseases and colds. Maintaining the natural protective function of the body is of exceptional importance, because many medications are contraindicated during this period.
For the male body
Selenium for men is one of the main factors preventing infertility. This trace element and its molecular complexes play a key role in the biosynthesis of testosterone, which ensures the maturation of anatomically correct sperm. Against the background of deficiency, sperm motility and their structure decrease.
An adult man needs 75-110 mcg of mineral per day. Athletes, smokers and people working in the electronics, chemical, oil refining and glass industries have a higher requirement for Se - up to 200 mcg per day.
Table of high content foods
The highest selenium content is in animal products and shellfish meat. In second place are nuts and cereals. Selenium is present in high concentrations in milk-based products and eggs. It is almost absent in vegetables and fruits, so doctors often prescribe additional mineral complexes that include this substance for vegetarians.
Vitamins, pharmaceutical preparations containing selenium
To treat severe deficiency, doctors prescribe vitamins with selenium and dietary supplements, covering up to 100% of the daily dose. If the body receives it in sufficient quantities from food, it is recommended to choose drugs that contain no more than 30-50 mcg of the substance.
The best vitamins with selenium:
Alphabet. Multivitamin complex. Available in tablet form. This brand produces special forms for children, teenagers, pregnant women, the elderly, etc.
Selenium active. Contains an artificially developed organic form of Se - Selexen (50 mcg in 1 tablet). The drug also contains vitamin C.
Complivit. Provides the body with a full daily dose of selenium (70 mcg), therefore it is used for deficiency conditions.
Multi-tabs. Suitable for prevention in cases of low Se content in food. The microelement content is 50 mcg in 1 tablet.
Selenium is an extremely important element for the human body. It improves immunity, acts as one of the main antioxidants, protecting the human body from the action of free radicals, reduces inflammation, and also plays a key role in maintaining metabolism.
According to recent studies, selenium has an antiviral effect on the body, is important for the male and female reproductive system, and reduces the risk of developing cancer, autoimmune and thyroid diseases.
The human body contains a large number of vitamins and microelements, as well as other nutrients that are, to one degree or another, responsible for its vital functions. Among others, we can highlight selenium. This mineral, if taken in the wrong dosage, can be extremely dangerous to health, but at the same time, if consumed correctly, its benefits will be very, very great.
So, in order. Selenium was once considered a toxic trace element, but then people discovered that this fact was influenced by the amount of its consumption. A lack of selenium can lead to infertility, premature aging and some other serious diseases.
The male body, according to modern scientists, requires slightly more of this trace element than the female body. This increased need is explained by the effect of selenium on the activity of the male reproductive system and a man’s sexual activity. Deficiency of the substance stops male sexual activity. Medical statistics confirm a direct correlation between selenium deficiency and sudden death among male infants. It is possible to replenish microelement reserves if you regularly eat foods that contain it.
The benefits of selenium for the human body
Selenium is found in many foods. It is also available in the form of dietary supplements. Selenium is an integral part of more than two dozen selenoproteins, which play a crucial role in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and also protects against oxidative processes and infections.
The main functions of selenium in the human body include:
- stimulation of immunity;
participation in protein synthesis;
prevention of tumor formation;
assistance in the formation of red blood cells;
inhibition of aging processes;
activation of vitamin E;
neutralization and removal of foreign substances from the body;
stimulation of reproductive function;
normalization of the functioning of the nervous system;
main role in stopping the progress of cardiovascular diseases;
participation of enzymes and hormones;
stimulation of metabolic processes;
maintaining the healthy condition of the horny surfaces.
Selenium is concentrated to a greater extent in human nails, hair, pancreas, heart, lungs, liver, bone marrow and kidneys. The trace element is able to protect our body from the threat of bacteria and viruses, as well as other negative influences, thereby protecting the human immune system.
It is also a sure obstacle to the formation of free radicals that destroy body cells. Among other things, this microelement controls the vital activity of absolutely all cells of the body and prevents diseases of the endocrine system, heart and blood vessels, as well as various inflammations.
Products containing selenium
Selenium exists in two forms: inorganic (selenate or selenite) and organic (selenomethionine or selenocysteine). Both forms can be good sources of selenium.
Inorganic is found in the soil. Selenites and selenates that accumulate in plants are converted into organic form during the synthesis process.
The human diet must contain foods rich in selenium in order to fully supply all body systems with this substance. In this regard, it is imperative that every person is aware of the list of such food products.
It is important that the food consumed contains as little sugar as possible, then the absorption and preservation of selenium will occur as efficiently as possible. To achieve maximum benefits, you need to limit your intake of sweets and avoid cakes, pastries and sweetened sodas. Having freed your diet from foods that negatively affect the absorption of selenium, it is important to focus on the consumption of vitamin E, as it helps the microelement effectively penetrate into cells.
Among plants, selenium is found in tomatoes and garlic, porcini mushrooms and champignons, olive oil, Brazil nuts, coconut and pistachios, corn, oat and buckwheat, wheat bran, brewer's yeast and sea salt. This valuable microelement can be found not only in plant foods, but in chicken eggs, some types of fish and some other seafood, as well as in the liver and kidneys of animals.
Garlic and Brazil nuts can easily be declared the leaders of the list. Eating 10-20 grams of one or the other every day will meet your daily requirement of selenium.
Unfortunately, this microelement is not able to be independently synthesized in our body, so it is replenished only by intake from the outside. By the way, the extent to which a particular product will be saturated with selenium depends on its content in the soil where the plant was grown.
Selenium deficiency
Selenium deficiency causes biochemical changes in the body that can lead to certain diseases. Especially associated with any situation. For example, selenium deficiency in combination with infection can lead to cardiomyopathy or the so-called Keshan disease. Although the exact cause of this disease has not been named to this day, many associate it with selenium deficiency.
A lack of this microelement in the human body is most often observed under the following circumstances:
- harmful working conditions;
age over 90 years;
use of certain medications;
selenium deficiency in the soil;
diseases of the digestive system.
A constant deficiency of selenium in the body can lead to such consequences as:
- hypothyroidism;
cretinism;
malfunction of the thyroid gland;
endemic goiter;
malfunctions of the reproductive system;
decreased immunity;
anemia;
cataract;
cardiopathy;
atherosclerosis;
diseases of the skin, nails and hair;
frequent inflammatory processes;
liver diseases;
inhibition of growth and development in childhood;
lung diseases;
atherosclerosis.
Harm of selenium to the body
Oversaturation of the body with selenium should also not be allowed, because this is fraught with very serious consequences, in particular, severe poisoning. In most cases, overdose occurs as a result of irrational use of food additives enriched with this microelement.
The main symptoms of overdose include the following:
- nausea, vomiting;
lack of stability in the psycho-emotional state;
increased fragility of nails and hair;
skin erythema;
constant smell of garlic from the mouth and skin;
bronchopneumonia;
disruptions in liver function.
It must be remembered that in order to avoid adverse consequences, before starting to take medications with selenium, you must consult a specialist.
Women during pregnancy or breastfeeding should consume more vitamins and minerals. Therefore, these values are averaged. Before use, it is better to consult a doctor and get accurate recommendations.
Children aged:
from 0 to 6 months – 15 micrograms per day;
from 7 months to a year – 20 micrograms per day;
from 1 year to 3 years – 20 micrograms per day;
from 4 to 8 years – 30 micrograms per day;
from 9 to 13 years – 40 micrograms per day.
Teens and adults:
Men 14 years and older – 55 micrograms per day;
Women 14 years and older – 55 micrograms per day;
Pregnant women - 60 micrograms per day;
Breastfeeding women - 70 micrograms per day.
The best way to get the right amount of selenium is to eat a properly balanced diet that includes a variety of foods.
Why our body needs selenium, watch the video
For many decades, selenium was considered one of the toxic substances, the ingestion of which is undesirable even for animals. Later, scientists came to the opposite conclusion: selenium is necessary for the body, and its lack is fraught with loss of strength, weak immunity, cosmetic problems and serious diseases. The opinion about the advisability of unlimited consumption of minerals for health also turned out to be erroneous. What is selenium - a toxic poison or an ideal tool for getting rid of dozens of diseases?
Why is selenium so important for the human body?
Selenium is an essential substance that a person can obtain in the required quantities exclusively from food, and is a necessary component of proteins and enzymes. Subject to the microelement consumption standards, selenium is truly extremely beneficial for the body.
- Due to its ability to bind free radicals, the substance is effective in the treatment of cancer patients. Selenium not only has antioxidant properties, but also enhances the effects of other substances with similar capabilities: tocopherol and ascorbic acid.
- In conditions of microelement deficiency, the full functioning of the thyroid and pancreas is impossible: a lack of selenium in the body leads to hormonal imbalance and weakened immunity.
- A sufficient amount of the substance makes it possible to facilitate the evacuation of toxic substances, allergens, and heavy metal salts from the body. Due to the action of selenium, the destructive effects of ultraviolet radiation are reduced and resistance to viral and bacterial infections is acquired.
- The substance is necessary for the synthesis of testosterone. It is the lack of selenium that can become one of the causes of male infertility. Men who are sexually active need selenium in higher doses, since this substance is secreted as part of semen.
- Selenium deficiency also causes disruptions in the female body: the inability to bear a child, a high risk of giving birth to a fetus with pathologies and an increased chance of encountering uterine cancer - these and many other problems are possible due to a deficiency of the microelement.
- Thanks to its ability to stop the proliferation of pathogenic viruses and fungi and facilitate the evacuation of toxic substances, the microelement reduces the load on the liver.
- A lack of dietary intake of selenium-containing foods is one of the prerequisites for heart pathologies. In particular, the risk of developing coronary disease and other abnormalities in the functioning of the heart muscle increases.
- The substance also affects the condition of the musculoskeletal system. Part of cartilage tissue, selenium is necessary for the normal functioning of joints. For medicinal purposes, the microelement must be taken for osteochondrosis, arthritis and arthrosis.
- A sufficient amount of microelement makes it easier to cope with skin diseases (including psoriasis), as well as bronchial and pulmonary infections.
- Selenium is also very important for patients with type 2 diabetes: thanks to the trace element, it is possible to control glucose levels and activate regeneration processes in the pancreas.
- It has been proven that the trace element affects a person’s mood and brain functioning. The effectiveness of intellectual activity and human memory depend on its sufficient consumption.
The daily dose of microelement intake is:
- for children – from 10 to 50 mcg/day;
- for women – from 55 mcg/day (during pregnancy and lactation – up to 200 mcg/day);
- for men – from 70 to 200 mcg/day.
If an adult consumes less than 16-21 mcg of a microelement per day, we are talking about a critical level of selenium deficiency, which can be fraught with serious health problems.
However, it is dangerous as a lack of selenium in the body , as well as its excessive consumption.
How does deficiency and excess of a microelement manifest itself?
The body reacts to a lack of a substance with the following symptoms:
- general weakness;
- muscle pain;
- frequent viral infections;
- joint deformities;
- heart disease (most often Keshan disease);
- drop in hemoglobin level;
- hormonal imbalances;
- problems with the kidneys and pancreas;
- infertility in men.
Sudden death syndrome in infants under one year of age, developmental delays in children, delayed puberty and even early menopause - one of the possible causes of all these phenomena is selenium deficiency. Such symptoms of excessive consumption of the substance are either a consequence of professional activity or the result of excessive use of selenium-containing dietary supplements and medications. It is unrealistic to achieve such an effect by changing your diet.
Excessive microelement content manifests itself as:
- yellowness of the skin, disruption of its structure;
- nervous disorders;
- hair loss and destruction of nail plates;
- decreased appetite;
- arthritis.
Some doctors consider excess selenium one of the possible factors in the development of oncology.
How to make up for the deficiency or look for selenium in your plate
Maximum benefits for the body will be ensured if the source of selenium is natural products rather than synthetic drugs. In particular, excellent suppliers of microelements can be:
- grains (buckwheat and oatmeal, bran, rye bread, sprouted wheat, corn);
- fish and seafood (herring, tuna, mackerel, shrimp, squid, salmon and even seaweed);
- offal (primarily beef kidneys, heart, liver);
- nuts (in particular);
- mushrooms (champignons, porcini);
- salt (both sea and regular table salt);
- eggs and hard cheese;
- Brewer's yeast;
- olive oil.
Affordable sources of the microelement are garlic and onions, and the maximum amount of the substance is found in Brazil nuts (100 g of product contains 1530 mcg of an invaluable mineral).
To ensure that foods contain sufficient amounts of selenium, it is important for the body to provide the most healthy and balanced diet possible.
The fact is that during refining, the production of semi-finished products and canned food, the microelement is completely destroyed, and even with short cooking, about 50% of the substance is lost, and the rest goes into the broth.
Selenium deficiency is often experienced by vegetarians who do not eat eggs, fish or seafood. To avoid problems when giving up animal foods, your diet must contain unrefined oils, nuts, onions, garlic, and grains.
Selenium: secrets of interaction
The extent to which the body can absorb foods rich in selenium also depends on the particular diet of a particular person. In particular, in combination with any sweets, consuming a microelement is simply pointless. Cakes, chocolate, and pastries not only interfere with the absorption of selenium, but in general, such products are very harmful to the body due to their ability to inhibit the functioning of the nervous system and promote the formation of fat deposits. The drug paracetamol also interferes with the absorption of selenium.
Ascorbic acid, iodine, vitamin E are substances that enhance the effects of the microelement. Thanks to the presence of ascorbic acid, selenium absorption increases, and interaction with tocopherol allows you to significantly expand the list of oxidants against which the microelement will be effective.
Benefits and harms, fantastic healing abilities and toxic properties - all this is surprisingly combined in selenium. However, the medicine turns into poison only in large doses, which definitely will not affect the majority of our compatriots. According to statistics, over 80% of adult residents of the Russian Federation consume no more than 30 mcg of selenium per day, while the norm is no less than 55 mcg. To eliminate the deficiency, it is advisable to supplement the diet with offal, sea fish and eggs. As for the additional use of pharmaceutical drugs, it is possible only as prescribed by a doctor.
What is selenium? This is an important microelement that is extremely necessary for our body. You can find out exactly what its benefits, deficiency and excess are from the article.
Selenium is a trace element that is physiologically considered one of the most important trace elements in the human body. Just a few years ago, selenium was considered a poison. And indeed it is! It's all about the dose. If it is exceeded, poisoning may occur and the negative effect on the human body will increase, but if this trace element is not enough in the body, then the person can quickly grow old or become very ill.
Interesting! A large amount of selenium is found in Brazil nuts.
Scientists, after conducting numerous studies, have come to the conclusion that there should be much more of this substance in the male body than in the female body, since it affects the reproductive function of men. If representatives of the stronger sex experience a lack of this substance, sexual life in this case becomes impossible. It has also been repeatedly proven that sudden death in infant boys is associated precisely with a reduced level of selenium in the body. In this regard, scientists have come to the conclusion that the role of selenium in the body is colossal. Since a deficiency of this microelement can lead to irreversible consequences.
Effect of selenium on the body
Selenium is extremely necessary for the body, since it takes an active part in the synthesis of proteins, while increasing immunity. In addition, it promotes the formation of red blood cells, preventing the development of tumor pathologies. With daily intake of selenium, the aging process slows down and foreign substances are removed from the body of women and men. Selenium for the body contributes to:
- activation of vitamin E;
- preventing pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
- activation of metabolic processes;
- stimulation of reproductive function in men and women;
- normalization of the functioning of the nervous system.
Some women who took this element in preparations noted its positive effect on the skin, nails, and hair. Since this element is capable of accumulating throughout the body (for example, nails, lungs, hair, skin, etc.).
Benefits of selenium
When ingested by women and men, this element can have an immunostimulating effect. In addition, the benefits of selenium are also manifested in its control over every cell, thereby preventing the development of inflammatory processes, as well as pathologies of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.
The benefits of selenium for women
Selenium is extremely necessary for the body, especially when it comes to pregnant women. Selenium is an antioxidant. In addition, it is able to stop aging and maintain skin turgor. When selenium is taken together with vitamin E, this trace element is most effective. The benefit of selenium for women is that it enhances hair growth, keeping it healthy and beautiful. Those who have dandruff should use an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains this particular trace element. Then problems with dandruff will no longer arise.
Benefits during pregnancy and lactation
Selenium is very useful for the body during pregnancy, since in the body of expectant mothers at this time metabolic processes occur much faster, and the need for enrichment with useful substances, minerals and vitamins increases. Thanks to selenium, the psycho-emotional background is restored, the woman becomes less irritable and susceptible to the environment. In addition, selenium stimulates the activation of all protective functions of the body, having a beneficial effect on the development of the fetus. With constant and moderate use of this element in pregnant women, the possibility of miscarriage and the development of pathologies in the child is reduced.
Selenium-rich foods
Naturally, selenium obtained from food is much healthier. But, unfortunately, it is not able to linger in every body. That is why women and men who seek to enrich their bodies with this microelement should eat foods rich in selenium. At the same time, the level of sugar in such products should be minimal. To do this, you should give up all kinds of pastries, soda, cakes, and other sweets. It is because of these products that the absorption of selenium by the body is reduced.
Sources of nutrients:
![](https://i1.wp.com/receptdolgolet.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/admin-ajax-21.jpg)
Daily dose of selenium for the female body
As mentioned above, the benefits of this element depend on its dosage. That is why the daily dosage cannot be increased. It is believed that for an adult, the normal daily dosage should be about one hundred micrograms of the substance. People who play sports need selenium in much larger quantities than in normal life.
Girls aged fifteen to eighteen years are recommended to take at least 100 micrograms of the substance per day. At the age of nineteen years and older, the dose should be increased to 110 micrograms. Pregnant women are recommended to take 130-400 micrograms of selenium, and when breastfeeding - 150-400 micrograms.
The daily dose of this microelement for the male body from fifteen to eighteen years is 100 micrograms, and after nineteen years – 140 micrograms.
A deficiency of this substance in the body can be caused by harmful working conditions, taking certain groups of drugs, and gastrointestinal diseases. Also, a deficiency of this element is often observed in patients over the age of 90 years.
Symptoms of Selenium Deficiency
Symptoms in which a deficiency of this substance in the body can be determined are often noticeable with the development of thyroid diseases, with cretinism, Keshan disease (with this disease there is a high risk of death), as well as with Kashin-Beck disease. Also, deficiency of this substance in humans is often accompanied by changes in the reproductive system. Selenium deficiency increases the body's tendency to develop infectious and inflammatory diseases. In certain cases, a deficiency of this substance is accompanied by slow growth in children, the development of anemia, kidney disease, atherosclerosis, lung disease, cataracts, and cardiopathy.
Excess selenium
An excess of this microelement is often observed with unlimited use of medications, the component of which is selenium. In addition, excess selenium can be observed when taking certain nutritional supplements (the dosage of selenium can be as high as 800 micrograms, which causes severe poisoning). An excess of this substance is accompanied by the manifestation of bronchopneumonia, skin erythema, as well as disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys and liver. In addition, quite often there is hair loss, the appearance of bad breath, the psychological state becomes unstable, nausea and vomiting appear.
Preparations rich in selenium
If a person is found to have a deficiency of a substance in the body, he can purchase ready-made preparations that contain this element at the pharmacy. In this case, the following recommendations for taking medications should be taken into account:
- All dosage forms (tablets or capsules) must be taken whole.
- You can't chew it.
- Drink liquid in small quantities.
- It is forbidden to independently increase or decrease the dose recommended by your doctor.
Preparations:
- Complivit Selenium
- Cephasel
- Bioenergostimus Ultra Top
Selenium is an important element for the body. Because the benefits from it are significant. However, it is worth remembering that the lack of this substance entails negative consequences, which should be eliminated only after consultation with a doctor.
If a person has certain symptoms that indicate a deficiency or excess of selenium, it is dangerous to wait. The same goes for children. If such symptoms occur, you should immediately seek advice from a specialist. Do not self-medicate, it can be dangerous to your health.
Selenium Description:
Selenium is a chemical element whose importance for the human body was discovered in the 60s of the 20th century. Since this discovery, many studies have been conducted confirming the importance of this substance in preserving and fighting various diseases. In its pure form, selenium is poisonous, and in small quantities it is vital for humans. The bulk of selenium in the body is concentrated in the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart and testicles.
Selenium is widely used in medicine for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, including as a powerful anticancer agent.
Why does the body need selenium:
- Selenium reduces the likelihood of cancer.
- Protects cells from DNA damage, promotes normal cell growth, and repairs damaged cells.
- Participates in the production of thyroid hormones, normalizes the functioning of the endocrine system.
- Helps the functioning of the pancreas.
- Selenium strengthens the human immune system, increases the body's resistance to various infections, viruses and pathogenic bacteria.
- Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Helps fat-soluble vitamins be better absorbed.
- Selenium protects against diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Maintains good vision.
- Selenium has a positive effect on the reproductive function of men and women and protects against infertility. Increases sexual activity in men.
- In pregnant and lactating women, a sufficient amount of selenium in the body helps protect both the fair sex from the development of various diseases, and the child from congenital pathologies and diseases that arise in the first years of life.
- Selenium protects the body from premature aging.
- Helps remove heavy metals (lead, mercury, platinum) and toxins from the body. Reduces the toxicity of certain drugs.
- Improves the condition of the skin and nails.
The body's daily requirement for selenium:
The body's need for selenium ranges from 20 to 100 mcg per day. At the same time, both a lack of selenium and its excess have a negative impact on human health.
Interaction of selenium with other substances:
Selenium is better absorbed in sufficient quantities and in the human body, these substances enhance the effect of each other. But sugar and products containing it in large quantities (confectionery), on the contrary, interfere with the absorption of selenium. Also, some medications (for example: paracetamol) can reduce the amount of selenium in the body.
Products containing selenium:
Selenium is present in many foods of both plant and animal origin. A good source of selenium are sea fish and seafood, especially octopus, herring, and. There is a lot of selenium in sea salt. This substance is also found in meat (liver, kidneys, heart), salted, wholemeal flour, bran, and cereals. Selenium is part of, a, yeast, and. It is worth considering that when processing foods, the amount of selenium in them is significantly reduced. In addition, the amount of selenium in the soil can differ significantly in areas located close to each other and, accordingly, the products grown on them will also have different selenium content.
It is worth noting that infants receive selenium from their mother's milk, which contains several times more of this substance than in.
Lack of selenium in the body:
Selenium deficiency in the body disarms a person against various diseases and can lead to very sad consequences. Weakness, depression, decreased sexual activity or performance, skin, cardiovascular, cancer diseases, visual impairment and many other diseases can be a consequence of selenium deficiency in the body. Selenium deficiency most often affects the elderly, pregnant women, bottle-fed babies (especially boys), and residents of regions with unfavorable environmental conditions.
The best way to replenish selenium deficiency is. The use of selenium supplements is possible only after consulting a doctor.
Excess selenium in the body:
It is difficult to obtain an excess of selenium in the body by eating foods rich in selenium. As a rule, an overabundance is rare and occurs when taking medications containing selenium. Considering that selenium in its pure form is a strong poison, taking dietary supplements and medications enriched with selenium must be strictly under the supervision of doctors, since a large amount of selenium in the body can lead to poisoning and other serious consequences. Medicines containing increased amounts of selenium are prescribed by specialists only for the treatment of specific diseases.