What Does Selenium Do? Benefits of Selenium
Studies on the benefits of selenium are increasing every day. According to these studies, the human body contains approximately 3-20 mcg of selenium. Most of this is stored in skeletal muscle. However, the benefits of selenium are not limited to the muscular and skeletal system. Thanks to its regulatory role in the human body, selenium can support the healthy functioning of many systems. Some of the benefits of selenium can be listed as follows:
- Selenium may contribute to maintaining cardiovascular health. The majority of people with coronary artery disease have low selenium levels in their blood.
- Recent studies on selenium have shown that it may be effective in preventing diseases such as prostate, stomach, liver, and lung cancer. Furthermore, some studies suggest that selenium supplements given to cancer patients during treatment slow the progression of cancer.
- According to scientific studies, selenium supplements help minimize the side effects of medications used during cancer treatment.
- Selenium is a powerful antioxidant. Free radicals are released in the body during processes such as the breakdown of food. An excess of free radicals in the body can accelerate the aging process. Antioxidants fight free radicals and can help maintain the health of red blood cells. They can also help delay the aging process by mitigating the effects of aging.
- Thanks to its antioxidant properties, selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system by combating oxidative stress.
- One of the most important properties of selenium is its role as a regulator in the structure of enzymes that facilitate many reactions in the body.
- Selenium regulates the function of the endocrine glands and hormones. Selenium is crucial for the synthesis of T3 and T4 hormones, which are secreted by the thyroid gland. After skeletal muscle, the thyroid gland is one of the organs with the highest selenium concentration..
- The testicles are one of the organs where most selenium is stored in men. The testicles, the male reproductive organs, contain high levels of selenium. In other words, selenium has positive effects on the quality, morphology, and number of sperm, the male reproductive cells.
What is Selenium Deficiency?
Although selenium is a mineral found in the air, water, and soil, it is not possible to find the same amount everywhere. Selenium deficiency can occur in people living in areas where selenium is not naturally abundant. It is also beneficial for expectant mothers to take selenium supplements if needed during pregnancy. Selenium deficiency can occur in expectant mothers during this period. Selenium absorption occurs in the duodenum. Gastrointestinal disorders that may affect absorption can also cause selenium deficiency.
Symptoms of Selenium Deficiency
Some of the symptoms of selenium deficiency can be listed as follows:
- Selenium deficiency can cause problems such as goiter, a thyroid disease.
- Selenium, which plays an active role in hormone production, can cause reproductive problems if it is deficient.
- If the liver, one of the organs that stores the most selenium, exhibits symptoms such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, selenium deficiency may be present.
- Psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety may be due to selenium deficiency.
- Some studies show that selenium deficiency may increase the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance.
- Diseases affecting the skeletal system may occur.
