Biochemical processes require selenium, a powerful antioxidant. The essential component of selenium-containing proteins is selenium. Only half of the 25 selenoproteins are understood. To stay healthy, these selenoproteins need selenium sulfide from food or supplements. This mineral prevents free radical damage to cells, DNA, and mitochondria, boosts immunity, and supports thyroid function and metabolism. Additionally, selenium is antimicrobial and antifungal. It preserves reproductive health and lowers the risk of autoimmune diseases, cancers, thyroid issues, and more.

How Much Selenium Do We Need?

Selenium is prescribed 55 micrograms per day as the recommended daily allowance (RDA). In contrast, a therapeutic dose of 200 micrograms may be more suitable for individuals addressing particular health concerns. Notably, although selenium sulfide is advantageous, overconsumption can be detrimental. Anaerobic, cardiovascular, and cognitive complications, especially in grams, may result from excessive intake. Although supplements are typically measured in micrograms rather than milligrams, overdosing is improbable.

Although trace amounts of selenium can be advantageous, their consumption should be avoided. Concerns regarding the cardiovascular system, cognition, and digestion may result from selenium overdose, particularly in grams-weight. Nevertheless, such overdoses are exceedingly uncommon, particularly when selenium is obtained via supplements and selenium foods, which generally contain the element in microgram quantities rather than milligrams.

Prostate Health

Clarifying an initial misconception regarding selenium and cancer is of the utmost importance. Although selenium has been linked to cancer risk, this is not always the case. Existing studies do not support this assertion, according to a 2018 comprehensive review by the Vinceti research centre. The potential of selenium sulfide in the prevention of cancer is not, nevertheless, diminished by this.

Selenium can hinder oxidative stress and DNA damage, which are critical contributors to cancer development, according to research conducted by Rayman in 2005. Elevated levels of selenium in the blood were associated with a decreased risk of developing lung, breast, and prostate cancers, according to a significant study conducted by Cai et al. in 2016. Significantly, no comparable preventive impact against colorectal, bladder, or skin cancers was observed in this investigation.

Heart Health

Heart disease risk decreased by 24% when selenium levels increased by 50%, as determined by blood and toenail samples. This finding was reported in a significant study comprising 25 research projects. This discovery underscores the potential of selenium in fostering resistance against cardiovascular diseases. The protective effect is attributed significantly to the anti-inflammatory properties of the mineral.

Coronary heart disease is recognized to have inflammation as a risk factor. Selenium supplements and selenium foods effectively decreased serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation, according to 17 clinical trials that comprised an additional exhaustive study. Simultaneously, an increase in glutathione peroxidase, a highly effective antioxidant, was observed with selenium sulfide supplementation. Selenium is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, according to these findings. Cellular free radical-antioxidant imbalance causes stress. Chronic oxidative stress-related diseases include cardiovascular disease (CVD)—heart health benefits from selenium's oxidative stress regulation.

Protection Against Free Radicals

It is common knowledge that selenium protects against damage. Selenium prevents the cellular damage caused by oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals within the body in its capacity as an antioxidant. Free radicals are natural byproducts of essential bodily processes such as metabolism and should not always be considered harmful. In addition, external factors such as cigarette smoke and pollution can produce detrimental free radicals. Selenium's function in preserving cellular health is crucial as it counteracts these.

Enhancing Immune Function

The potential of selenium sulfide to mitigate oxidative damage transcends cardiovascular health. Additionally, it complements immune system features by lowering inflammation. Th1 is liable for responding to viruses and intracellular microorganisms, whereas Th2 is answerable for coping with external parasites and parasitic worms.

Selenium specifically promotes an enhanced Th1-type immune response. Scholarly investigations emphasize the critical role of selenium in enhancing the immune response and suggest that insufficient selenium may impede the operation of immune cells. It has been demonstrated that selenium supplements and foods with selenium may improve the function of T-cells, a distinct type of white blood cell, and increase white blood cell counts.

Cognitive Health Benefits

Selenium is associated with the management of different neurological disorders, which include Parkinson's disease and a couple of sclerosis, further to its essential role in beating Alzheimer's. Selenium's capacity to mitigate oxidative harm may lessen the threat of developing Alzheimer's sickness and shield brain fitness. According to research, selenium levels, in addition to those of vitamins C and E, are frequently diminished in Alzheimer's patients.

Beyond Alzheimer's disease, selenium contributes to the maintenance of cognitive abilities. According to one study, verbal memory, executive function, and episodic memory were enhanced in adults who consumed a combination of antioxidants, including selenium. Those without a smoking history or with initially low vitamin C levels exhibited a more significant improvement in verbal memory. Mild cognitive impairment was treated for six months with the daily ingestion of one Brazil nut, which is an abundant source of selenium, in another study focusing on neurological issues. Verbal fluency and constructional praxis—a skill involving the amalgamation of individual components—were more pronounced among those who consumed Brazil nuts than in the control group.

Thyroid Health

Ventura (2017) states that the thyroid, a diminutive yet critical organ, contains the most selenium within the body. Metabolic regulation and growth are processes in which the thyroid is instrumental. Hypositoma and thyroid disorders have been linked in scientific research. One epidemiological study linked hypothyroidism to Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Selenium can help some thyroid patients. Three months of selenium supplements and foods with selenium reduced antibodies in Hashimoto's thyroid disease patients. In another study, selenium foods reduced the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid is underactive but not dependent on hormone replacement therapy. For thyroid issues, selenium can help, but it should not replace medical treatment.

Alleviating Asthma Symptoms

According to Murdoch's (2010) study, selenium, a vital mineral, has demonstrated potential in combating allergic asthma, a medical condition predominantly distinguished by persistent inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of the mineral are essential for alleviating asthma symptoms. Even for individuals with initially low selenium sulfide levels in their blood, animal studies indicate that selenium supplements and foods with selenium may be an advantageous addition to asthma treatment.

Not only is this potential treatment applicable to a select few asthma patients, but it is so for the majority. According to research, selenium levels are frequently lower in individuals with asthma than those without the condition. Selenium levels significantly correlate with pulmonary function, even in mild to moderate asthma cases. Elevated selenium sulfide levels correlate significantly with enhanced pulmonary function; this enhancement is evident even before initiating any supplementation and foods with selenium regimen.