Selenium | L-Selenomethionine

Improving overall health: Selenium plays an important role in thyroid function. It supports the production of its hormones and helps to keep it healthy. It is also beneficial for the cardiovascular system. It thins the blood and reduces the risk of blood clots, lowers LDL cholesterol and reduces the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. Besides that, selenium participates in protecting the body from free radicals, also by increasing levels of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase. By binding heavy metals, it prevents them from participating in metabolic changes and facilitates their removal from the body. In addition to that, it improves fertility in men – increasing sperm motility and making it easier to conceive offspring. Noteworthy, it prevents excessive hair loss and helps to keep the scalp properly moisturized.

Regulation of the immune system: Selenium strengthens the body’s immunity and helps it to defend itself against bacteria, viruses and fungi. This is because it increases the production of antibodies. It also stimulates the activity of T lymphocytes and their conversion to cytotoxic forms. Besides that, it stimulates NK cells, enhancing their response to exogenous antigens. At the same time, it prevents excessive inflammation. It reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mitigates oxidative stress, which can contribute to inflammatory complaints of bones and joints. It’s also possible that it promotes natural anti-cancer mechanisms. This is because it protects DNA from the occurrence of mutations, and stops the cell cycle of abnormal cells by promoting their apoptosis.

Protection and support of the nervous system: The antioxidant properties of selenium are highly beneficial to the health of the central nervous system. This element not only protects delicate brain structures from oxidative stress and associated inflammation. It also inhibits the deposition of beta-amyloid, which can be important in the prevention of neurodegenerative processes. Besides that, it protects neurons from damage due to lipid peroxidation. In addition, selenium participates in the regulation of neurotransmitter metabolism. Its proper levels are necessary to maintain normal activity of dopamine, serotonin and GABA. Thus, it may promote mental comfort and psycho-emotional balance. It is also believed to support cognitive functions.

Delays the aging process: Selenium has been proven to reduce mitochondrial damage from acute and chronic exercise. Results of animal studies have shown that a deficiency of this element correlates with a higher incidence of signs of aging and reduced life expectancy. In contrast, a selenium-enriched diet prolonged the life of animals and improved their health. The results of studies with humans in many countries show that plasma selenium levels are relatively high in people who have lived more than 100 years. This correlates with good performance of mechanisms that protect against oxidative stress, as well as a lower frequency of conditions typical of old age, including neuropsychiatric problems, cardiovascular problems or cancer.