The Role of Selenium in Health and Hormones

Selenium, an essential trace mineral, performs critical roles in cognitive function, immune systems, fertility, and hormonal balance in the human body. It interacts notably with the thyroid gland, a primary hormone producer. It also participates in DNA synthesis and safeguards against oxidative damage and infections.

Potential Health Benefits of Selenium

Having adequate selenium in your diet can lead to numerous health benefits. It may help prevent cardiovascular diseases, cognitive decline, cancer, and thyroid problems.

Selenium’s Impact on Cognitive Health

As a potent antioxidant, selenium can help lower the risk of cognitive decline by preventing cell damage from free radicals. Although research studies have shown mixed conclusions on selenium's effectiveness against dementia, the mineral is still actively studied for its potential benefits.

Selenium and Cardiovascular Health

According to the Office for Dietary Supplements, selenoproteins (proteins containing selenium) can protect against cardiovascular disease by preventing oxidative modifications of fats in the body. This prevention process reduces inflammation and the resultant buildup of platelets in the blood. The effectiveness of selenium supplements alone for improving heart health, however, remains unclear.

Selenium in Cancer Prevention

In addition to its role in DNA repair, selenium's virtues also extend to cancer prevention. DNA damage increases the risk of cancer, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that selenium consumption may reduce the risk of certain forms of the disease.

Selenium's Impact on Thyroid and Hormonal Health

Selenium plays a critical role in producing and metabolizing thyroid hormone, essential for metabolic regulation. Women with higher selenium levels have been found to experience fewer thyroid problems, although such relations have not been observed in men. Selenium's effectiveness in supplement form for addressing thyroid issues remains inconclusive.

Selenium is particularly vital for women, as it helps regulate the balance of estrogen, the primary female hormone. Consequently, it plays a role in protecting against breast cancer.

In addition to offering health benefits mentioned, studies suggest that selenium might also assist in preventing miscarriages, protecting against asthma, and preventing the progression of HIV to AIDS.

Risks Associated with Selenium Supplements

The upper permitted limit for selenium intake for adults is only 400 mcg. Overdosing on selenium supplements can lead to weak nails, decaying teeth, nausea, fatigue, skin rashes, hair loss, and neurological issues. It is advisable to consult with a doctor before starting selenium supplements and ensuring you are getting sufficient selenium from your diet.

Selenium-Rich Food Sources

The selenium content in fruits and vegetables can vary greatly due to modern farming techniques. However, foods like tuna, halibut, brown rice, Brazil nuts, eggs, and bread are excellent sources of selenium. Regular blood tests can help in assessing your selenium levels, and health experts can guide you whether selenium supplements are necessary for you.

References

Medical News Today

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