Selenium Supplements

About Selenium Supplements

Selenium is an important trace element required for dozens of enzymatic reactions essential to optimal health and wellbeing. Though Selenium receives less attention than more well-known nutrients, such as zinc and iron, in no way does this detract from its importance. In 2005, the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology published an article stating that approximately 1 billion people worldwide are deficient in Selenium, a staggering figure. New Zealand soils are believed to be some of the most selenium deficient in the world, according to the British Journal of Nutrition in 2004, which leads to low contents in locally grown food and deficiencies in the consumers of this food. 

Selenium is a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes that we synthesize in the body. A cofactor is the fuel that powers some antioxidant enzymes to do their work, two of which are glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase. For this reason, Selenium is essential for maintaining cellular health and protecting against free-radical damage. The British Journal of Biomedical Science published a research paper in 2009 that highlights the importance of Selenium as a cofactor for iodothyronine deiodinase, which activates thyroid hormones. Without enough Selenium, we may exhibit signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism caused by low T3 levels, even with a normal T4 level.

In November 2008, Molecular Nutrition and Food Research published a review article highlighting the ability of Selenium to bolster the aging immune system and to increase protection against pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. This is not surprising, given the importance of Selenium in enhancing overall antioxidant status. It is also believed that Selenium can assist in the management of allergic diseases, such as asthma, and reduce the damaging effects of chronic low-grade inflammation. The best dietary source of this mineral is Brazil Nuts, if grown in the Amazonian basin where the soil is particularly rich in this mineral. The Sporty's Health range of selenium supplements offer the means to ensure your daily intake of selenium is optimal.