Selenium

What is Selenium?

Selenium is a trace mineral and essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in protecting health and well-being despite often going largely unnoticed in the realm of nutrition. In the body, selenium is incorporated into specialised proteins known as selenoproteins, which play critical roles in antioxidant defence, thyroid function, and immune function. Although selenium is not produced in the human body, it can be obtained naturally through your diet from foods including Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, eggs, and dairy.

Health Benefits:

Antioxidant Action

Selenium may contribute to antioxidant action through its incorporation into antioxidant selenoproteins, which provide protection against reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species helping to prevent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been shown to contribute to ageing and is linked to the development of various respiratory, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

Supports Thyroid Function

Selenium is vital for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland as it helps convert the inactive thyroid hormone (T4) into the active form (T3) that is essential for regulating metabolism and supporting energy levels. Moreover, studies suggest that selenium supplementation may decrease circulating thyroid autoantibodies that attack the body's own thyroid tissue. This is key to supporting health as thyroid autoantibodies can lead to inflammation and contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.

Boosts Immune System Function

Selenium can support immune system function, helping to prevent infections and support good health and wellbeing. Research suggests that this immune boosting effect may be achieved through various mechanisms, including the increased activity of natural killer cells, proliferation of T-lymphocytes, stimulation of vaccine-induced immunity and increased B-cells which are key to antibody production.

Typical Use:

Selenium can be naturally obtained through your diet, however many choose to take selenium supplements to ensure they are reaching optimal selenium intake and obtaining the best health benefits possible from this mineral. For selenium supplements, organic forms such as selenium yeast and selenomethionine are often preferred due to the higher bioavailability they offer.