Selenium deficiency and low vitamin E

Selenium is a micronutrient that is essential for the proper functioning of all organisms. Selenium, in the form of selenoproteins, carries out various functions in normal health and metabolism. This element is a cofactor of many enzymes, for example, glutathione peroxidase or thioredoxin reductase.

Selenium plays a role in the immune system functioning and the progression of HIV to AIDS. Selenium deficiency has been implicated in cardiovascular disease, infertility, myodegenerative diseases, and cognitive decline.

Selenium exhibits synergy with vitamin E. In metabolic processes, sulfur amino acids such

as cystine and methionine are closely associated with it. The combined interaction of selenium and

tocopherol gives the best results in the protection of organs against the destructive effects of free radicals. Combined administration of selenium and vitamin E results in an immunostimulatory effect.

Selenium deficiency occurs when there is inadequate dietary intake of selenium, typically due to a scarcity of selenium sources in a given region. Interestingly, low vitamin E intake may enhance the effect of selenium deficiency, which is associated with increased risk of fatal cancer.

Individuals whose blood (serum) selenium level is low with deficiencies of vitamin E accompanied are at the increased risk of developing cancer. In healthy individuals, the level of this element in blood is higher by several percent in comparison with those who suffer from cancer.
Selenium deficiency and low vitamin E

The role of selenium in the immune system

Selenium is a trace mineral that serves as one of the key elements of human body’s antioxidant immune system.

Research suggests that selenium can protect humans against cancer of the lung, ovaries, breast, colon, liver, cervix, skin, stomach and uterus. When sufficient selenium levels are achieved, the risk of getting cancer is half that of a person who is selenium deficient.

Selenium has a beneficial effect on the immune function, strengthening primarily the cell-mediated immunity by upregulating the expression of the T-cell high-affinity IL-2 receptor and as consequence, also stimulating antibody production. Selenium works synergistically with Vitamin E, A and C as an antioxidant.

Selenium has been reported to detoxify environmental poisons and toxins in human bodies such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury and facilitates their excretion. from the body.

By detoxifying per oxidized fats, via its role in the enzyme glutathione and peroxidase, selenium inhibits their carcinogenicity (cancer promoting traits).

Selenium also counteracts many of the toxic effects of smoking tobacco. Selenium also acts as inflammatory agent, it may be important in combating inflammation related conditions such as cardiovascular disease. 

Researchers have reported that’s selenium levels may be important in certain autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis (Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s disease).

Smoking depletes the body's selenium supplies. In the liver this mineral retards the conversion of hydrocarbons into carcinogens — an important function in our polluted environment.

Selenium is found in seafood, meats and Brazil nut. However, modern methods of farming and processing foods have depleted their nutritional value of this much needed mineral, along with other essential minerals.
The role of selenium in the immune system

Selenium Supplementation May Reduce Cancer Risk

Many of these cancers are caused by our own bad behaviors - tobacco and alcohol use, lack of exercise, and poor diet.

There is now convincing evidence that selenium(an essential mineral found in various foods such as Brazil nuts and mushrooms) when taken daily as a supplement can significantly reduce the risk of cancer. Selenium appears to promote antioxidant activity in the body via glutathione peroxidase, a selenium dependent enzyme.

Research involving animal models has indicated that selenium supplementation may be useful strategy to reduce cancer risk.

In the United States, a double blind, placebo controlled study of more than 1300 older adults with history of nonmelanoma skin cancer found that supplementation with 200 ug/day selenium-enriched yeast for an average of 7.4 years was associated with an 48% decrease in prostate cancer incidence in men.

Numerous studies have shown an association between high cancer rates and low geographical selenium concentrations in the soil and between low cancer rates and diet rich in selenium.

The plasma selenium content of cancer patients is significantly lower than that in healthy persons.

A few trials have suggested that selenium supplementation may have a protective effect on liver cancer in high risk groups living in low selenium areas.

Supplementation was also found to reduce total mortality from all cancers combined and the combined incidence of three cancers, lung cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer.
Selenium Supplementation May Reduce Cancer Risk