Description
Selenium 120 caps
Selenium’s importance for human health has only been examined and recognized more recently. One aspect of the interest in selenium is its big impact on our immune system and against viral infections. Our current understanding of this mineral means that it is a trace mineral we do not want to be lacking.
Since a scientific study in 1998 documented that patients with critical viral infections have rapidly decreasing concentrations of selenium, this has become a focus of research on the trace mineral. Almost half of a person’s selenium concentrations may disappear in this manner, which could be life threatening, if the patient’s selenium levels are already low.
This research shows the surprising extent to which selenium is used up, when the immune system is activated by the virus. Even in people who get good amounts of selenium from their diet, additional supplementation will be beneficial. Selenium from the diet is included in a number of selenoproteins, which have various functions throughout the body.
Low Selenium Levels Cause Mutations
Another feature of selenium and its antioxidant enzymes is that it protects the genetic material from mutations. Also in relation to virus infections, we see this mechanism. When virus enters a human lacking selenium, it can undergo mutations making it far more dangerous. In other words, virus also needs selenium as a protection against free radicals. If the virus lacks selenium, mutations can occur making it even more dangerous. Common cold virus and HIV-virus and other common vira of the RNA-type form selenium-containing antioxidant enzymes to protect against mutations.
Selenium is a trace mineral that is a key player in several functions your body performs daily. The greatest concentrations are found in the thyroid gland. Selenium is a component of the enzyme that helps convert T4 to T3, producing the active form of thyroid hormone that your body needs.
Selenium also plays an important role in prostate health, helping to maintain healthy levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) which is the marker for prostate cancer. Doctors like to see those levels nice and low. Canadian men are encouraged to have their PSA levels checked when they turn forty, the age when prostate cancer screening becomes imperative for most men.
Selenium also plays a big role in reproduction and DNA synthesis – and a whole lot more!
Although selenium is a mineral, it acts as an antioxidant as well by enhancing Vitamin E’s antioxidant activity and also helps replenish glutathione peroxidase, the body’s main free radical scavenger. Glutathione Peroxidase protects us from oxidative damage that can result from stress, radiation, pollution and infections. Now that’s one busy mineral!
A selenium deficiency is quite uncommon, so why supplement you ask? Well, for a couple of reasons. First, there are some people who do in fact have a selenium deficiency due to a poor diet and conditions like Crohn’s disease that impair absorption of the nutrients your body needs to heal and thrive. Second, many studies tell us that having selenium levels above the RDI (recommended daily intake) is when it starts to have therapeutic effects, like lowering PSA for example.
CanPrev’s Selenium Glycinate 200 provides a therapeutic and optimal form of selenium and is superior when it comes to all-important absorption and gentleness. Thyroids and prostates everywhere will stay healthy and function like they should with selenium glycinate – the all-important but little-known wonder mineral your body will thank you for!
