Food sources of selenium

Selenium is an essential micronutrient that exerts its biological functions through more than 25 seleno-proteins.

The bioavailability of selenium in foods is high, and absorption of this mineral in the intestine is not regulated. Therefore, almost all selenium consumed enters the blood.

Selenium plays a role in the anti-oxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, which protect cell membranes from damage caused by the peroxidation of lipids.

The richest food sources of selenium are organ meats and seafood, followed by muscle meats, cereals and grains, dairy product’s and fruits and vegetables.

Brazil nuts, broccoli, onions grown in selenium rich soil also a good source. Garlic also a good source of selenium, although it does not provide a large amount to the diet.

Water can also a good s0oruce of this mineral if the ground from which the water is drawn is selenium rich.

In the United Kingdom, cereal foods account for approximately 20% of total selenium intake, whereas meat, poultry and fish account for 30-40%.
Food sources of selenium

The importance of selenium to human immune system

Selenium is a trace mineral that human bodies use to produce glutathione peroxidase an enzymes that serves as a natural antioxidant.

Glutathione peroxidase neutralizes lipid peroxide that could damage the immune cells.

The primary purpose of selenium in the immune system is to protect cells against oxidative damage.

This function helps to maintain membrane integrity, protects prostacyclin production, and reduces the likehood of propagation of further oxidative damage to biomolecules such as lipids, lipoproteins and DNA with the associated increased risk of conditions such as atherosclerosis and cancer.

To do this the selenium works with a group of nutrients – including vitamins C and E to prevent oxygen molecules from becoming overly reactive. Selenium works with vitamin E to stimulate the immune response to infection.

Selenium is known to be essential for the proper functioning of neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes.

The supplementation of selenium reduces the incidence of hepatitis in deficient populations. Selenium also prevents DNA damage thereby inhibiting the multiplication of cancer cells.
The importance of selenium to human immune system

Selenium Supplementation May Reduce Cancer Risk

Many of these cancers are caused by human own bad behaviors - tobacco and alcohol use, lack of exercise, and poor diet - which has led researchers to investigate the ability of nutritional supplements to reduce cancer risk.

Selenium as essential dietary trace element and a normal component of mammalian physiology has been use as an antioxidant and also in cancer prevention. It is recognized as cancer protective agent and is increasingly employed as an adjuvant in cancer therapy.

It has long been known that addition of sodium selenite to their diet can reduce the incidence of azo dye-induced tumors in rats. Several studies have also demonstrated that’s selenium can inhibit tumorigenesis in experimental animals.

Immune system enhancement by selenium is a more satisfactory explanation for the carcinostatic properties of selenium.

Selenium is essential for optimal immune function, and stimulations of the immune system can be brought about by selenium supplementation.

Research has revealed an immerse association between selenium and several cancers, including prostate, bladder, lung, colorectal, esophagus and gastric cancers.

Selenium Supplementation May Reduce Cancer Risk