Selenium

When investigating populations aged 90 and above, scientists discovered that those exceeding 100 years old all shared something in common.

They possessed the highest selenium concentrations! This indicates a connection between the mineral selenium and longevity.

Selenium: What is it?

Selenium is a trace mineral, an essential micronutrient for human wellness. Within your body, selenium integrates into enzymes and additional proteins, creating over two dozen vital compounds termed selenoproteins. Arguably, the most recognized selenoprotein is the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

While this mineral exists in soil, water, and certain foods, including Brazil nuts and pinto beans, dietary selenium acquisition proves highly variable. This occurs because natural soil selenium varies across regions.

Selenium benefits

Through balancing cellular oxidation and reduction (oxidation designates electron loss while reduction designates electron gain), glutathione peroxidase and additional selenoproteins shield cells and tissues from oxidative harm while promoting healthy cellular function and division.

Appropriate enzyme function:

Research demonstrates selenoproteins can:

• Deliver defense against DNA damage (accelerated aging's primary cause)
• Enable toxin elimination from your body
• Promote normal thyroid performance
• Sustain immune system activity

Decreasing mortality risk:

Selenium combined with additional antioxidants has been demonstrated to help decrease mortality risk. In a 43-study meta-analysis, scientists found reduced cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality risk when selenium was incorporated in antioxidant supplement combinations.

No correlation appeared when selenium was excluded from combinations.

Vital for normal brain performance:

Selenium insufficiency triggers brain inflammation, with studies showing neurodegenerative disorder patients possess reduced selenium concentrations in their blood and red blood cells versus those without neurodegenerative conditions.

Actually, individuals with reduced plasma selenium concentrations face a 58% elevated cognitive decline risk versus those with normal concentrations.

Investigations also reveal that among Parkinson's disease patients, reduced selenium blood concentrations associate with substantially diminished neurological coordination test performance.

Protecting against selenium insufficiency

Many individuals possess reduced selenium concentrations due to selenium-depleted soil in numerous locations. Selenium insufficiency has been connected to multiple health risks and premature death leading causes, encompassing:

• Heart failure
• Cancer
• Immune senescence
• Impaired glucose regulation
• Brain inflammation and pathological lesions

For mitigating selenium insufficiency-associated risks, ensuring adequate selenium consumption through dietary sources or supplementation proves essential.

Consider utilizing multiple selenium forms (including Se-methyl L-selenocysteine, L-selenomethionine, and sodium selenite) for obtaining comprehensive protection.