Selenium: trace element with great effect

Selenium: trace element with great effect

selenium, an often overlooked trace element, plays an inconspicuous but decisive role in human health and nutrition. This vital nutrient, hidden in the food chain, has an abundance of advantages that only become obvious when the scientific examination is obvious. The essential meaning of selenium is undisputed, but how much is enough and how much is too much? The research of selenium has drawn a detailed picture of its mechanisms of action, health advantages and potential risks in the event of overdose. This article takes an analytical look at the essential role of selenium in our health and nutrition, illuminates scientifically underpinned health advantages and discusses the potential risks of selenium supplementation. Finally, based on current research results, recommendations and guidelines for safe selection are presented. Immerse yourself with us in the fascinating world of a trace element that has a big impact on our body and learn how to optimally design your selenium balance.

The essential role of selenium in human health and nutrition

selenium is an indispensable trace element that is of central importance for human health. There is a key role in the function of the immune system, in the prevention of oxidative stress and in thyroid hormone metabolism. Selen is known as a component of over 25 selenon proteins that are involved in various biological processes, among other things in antioxidating defense and regulation of inflammatory processes.

• Immune system: selenium contributes to strengthening the immune system by promoting the proliferation of T helper cells and supports antibody production.
• Antioxidative effect: As a component of glutathione peroxidases, selenium helps to protect the body cells from oxidative stress, which is caused by free radicals, among other things.
• thyroid function: for synthesis and the breakdown of the thyroid hormones is required. A selenium deficiency can lead to thyroid diseases.

The recommended daily supply of selenium varies depending on the age, gender and phase of life. According to the National Research Council of the United States, a daily admission of 55 micrograms for adults is recommended. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have an increased need.

Selen, of course, occurs in a variety of foods, especially in paranese nuts, fish, meat, eggs and some types of grain. The selencon centering in plant -based foods depends heavily on the selenium content of the soil on which the plants are grown. In regions with selenium floors there can be a lack of selenium in the diet of the population living there.

A lack of selenium can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, infertility in men and a weakening of the immune system. On the other hand, an excessive absorption of selenium can cause toxic effects, such as hair loss, nausea, irritability and, in severe cases, even organ failure. The balance of the selenium is therefore essential for maintaining health.

scientifically supported health advantages and potential risks of selenium supplementation

Selen is an essential trace element that is of central importance for human health. Scientific studies have shown that an appropriate selection of Selae is associated with various health advantages. The highlighted advantages include:

• Support of the immune system: selenium plays an important role in the function of the immune system. It helps to strengthen body defense and can protect against certain infections.
• Protection against oxidative stress: As a component of antioxidants, selenium helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and thus reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases: Studies suggest that sufficient selection is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, possibly by reducing inflammation and improvement in antioxidant capacity in the body.

At the same time, there are potential risks associated with excessive selection of selection, especially through supplementation. Too high SELESSTUCH can lead to various health problems, including:

• Selenose: A disease that is characterized by symptoms such as gastrointestinal complaints, hair and nail loss, rash and in severe cases neurological damage.
• interaction with medication: selenium can interact with certain medication and influence their effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects.
• Risk of diabetes: Some studies refer to a connection between high selenium levels in the body and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It is important that the supply of selenium remains within recommended limits. The exact need values ​​can vary depending on age, gender and health. The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a daily selection of 60-70 micrograms for adults.

Finally, it can be said that an appropriate selection of selection can have significant health benefits, but excessive supplementation carries potential risks. Individual needs and health circumstances should always be taken into account when deciding on supplementation.

recommendations and guidelines for a secure SELESSUMPORT: An analysis based on current research results

The optimal selection of selection varies depending on the age, gender and health. The general daily reference values ​​proposed by scientific bodies are based on the amount of selenium that is necessary to achieve maximum activity of the glutathione peroxidase in the blood plasma. This enzyme plays a key role in protecting the cells from oxidative stress.

• adults should strive for a daily selenium recording of about 55 micrograms.
• For pregnant women and breastfeeding women, an increased intake of 60 or 70 micrograms is recommended to cover the increased need.

The upper recording boundary for selenium that should not be exceeded is 400 micrograms per day for adults. A chronic absorption of selenium in quantities that exceed this limit can lead to health problems such as selenosis, a state characterized by symptoms such as hair loss, nail changes, nausea and nerve damage.

It is important to note that selenium is mainly absorbed through nutrition, by consuming fish, meat, eggs, and selenium-rich nuts such as paranese. However, depending on the selencon centering in the soil on which the food was grown, the selenium content in foods can vary greatly. In some areas in which the floors are a selenium, the recording through food could be insufficient.

In such cases or in certain nutritional methods, such as a strictly vegan diet, supplementation may be necessary, but should only take place after consultation with a health service provider. Self-medication with high selenium doses without professional surveillance must be avoided due to the risks of toxicity and undesirable interactions.

Compliance with the recommended recording quantities and the monitoring of the SELE supply through regular blood tests are effective strategies to assess the individual selenium status and ensure balanced care, while the risks of oversupply are minimized.

Finally, it can be stated that although selenium is a micronutrient, but its effects on human health are anything but low. The essential importance of this trace element, from the support of immune defense to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, underlines the need for a balanced diet and shows how an adequate SELSURE can support vital body functions. At the same time, the scientific examination of potential risks of selenium supplementation emphasizes that an excessive supply can be harmful to health, which underpins the importance of a well thought-out and based supplementation based on well-founded research results. Future research is essential to further decipher the exact mechanisms of selenium in the body and to refine targeted recommendations for various population groups. Until then, existing guidelines should serve as a valuable resource for secure selenium in order to optimally use the health benefits of selenium and to minimize possible risks.

sources and further literature

references

• National Institutes of Health (Nih). "Selenium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals." Available online on the Nih.
website
• Federal Center for Nutrition (BZFE). "Selenium." Published on the BZFE website.
• German Nutrition Society e. V. (DGE). "Reference values ​​for nutrient intake: selenium." Posted in the 2nd edition of the DGE reference values ​​for nutrient supply.

Studies

• Rosenfeld, I., & Beath, O. A. "Selenium: Geobotany, Biochemistry, Toxicity, and Nutrition." Academic Press, 1964. This historically significant study offers fundamental insights into the biochemistry of the selens.
• Rayman, M. P. "The Importance of Selenium to Human Health." In The Lancet, Volume 356, Issue 9225, 2000. The study documents the central role of selenium for human health.
• Zhang, J. et al. "Association between Regional Selenium Status and Reported Outcome of Covid-19 Cases in China." In the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 111, Issue 6, 2020. This study examines the connection between selenium status and Covid-19 processes in China.

further literature

• Combs, G. F. "Selenium in Global Food Systems." British Journal of Nutrition, 2001. An overview of the importance of selenium in global nutritional systems.
• Schrauzer, G. N. "Selenium and Selenium-Antagonistic Elements in Nutritional Cancer Prevention." In Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, Volume 29, No. 1, 2009.
• Hoffmann, Peter R., and Berry, Marla J. "The Influence of Selenium on Immune Responses." In Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, Volume 52, No. 11, 2008. This publication explores the influence of selenium on the immune system.