Selenium contributes to our health significantly, as it serves as an essential trace mineral. While our bodies only require small amounts, excessive selenium can lead to kidney failure, heart attacks, hair loss, fatigue, etc. (So be careful).
Figure 1
Selenium when consumed will be absorbed through the duodenum, cecum, and colon of our bodies. As selenium passes our bodies it goes in the enterocytes, which ensures uptake in ions, water, nutrients, and vitamins. Selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenocysteine (SeCys) are both selenoamino acids -> selenium and an amino acid group. After selenium is fully absorbed it turns into hydrogen selenide (H2Se). Hydrogen selenide turns into selenophosphate (a key conversion compound for this process). Finally ending with SELENOP a protein which is used in the testicles, kidney, and brain!
Selenium is also involved with the enzyme known as Glutathoine Peroxidase. This enzyme has antioxidant properties! Antioxidant properties protect our cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS is a group of highly reactive molecules containing oxygen, these species form when the body goes through metabolism. As mentioned in past articles low oxidative stress and less free radicals lead to longer life expectancy. Clearly, there’s a connection with a decrease in oxidative stress neutralizing free radicals. If we can neutralize these free radicals we can decrease inflammation and acne development.
Not only does selenium help with anti-inflammation, but helps with thyroid functioning! An enzyme known as Iodothyronine delodinases when binded with selenium converts an inactive thyroid hormone (T4) to an active thyroid hormone (T3). This process helps the immune system, and combats hypothyroidism. The immune system consists of memory T-cells, which recognize harmful cells that can get us sick. If we don’t get enough selenium, then it reduces T-cell function, leading to an increase in pathogens in our bodies.
Ultimately, selenium is extremely important for our health! We can acquire selenium through Brazil nuts, vegetables, and mushrooms. Personally, I consume 2 Brazil nuts every day which contains 190 mcg of selenium. Doctors recommend no more than 5 Brazil nuts a day. The minimum an individual should consume is 90 mcg of selenium.
Inspired by: Doctor JJ Medicine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uZlfK5L0bk
References:
Ferreira, Rannapaula Lawrynhuk Urbano, et al. “Selenium in Human Health and Gut Microflora: Bioavailability of Selenocompounds and Relationship with Diseases.” Frontiers in Nutrition, vol. 8, 4 June 2021, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.685317.
“SELENOP Selenoprotein P [Homo Sapiens (Human)] – Gene – NCBI.” Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/6414.
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