What is selenium?

SELENIUM

SELENIUM: WHAT IS IT?

Selenium is a chemical element with symbol “Se” and atomic number 34: it is present in small traces, quantifiable as a few tens of micrograms, but it is essential for cellular functioning and survival of many organisms, including humans.Selenium name, symbol, atomic number

Of the various forms, selenium-methionine is the one most widely used in dietary supplements: the action of selenium is most enhanced if methionine is also present at the same time. Selenium-methionine has antioxidant and anti-radical action: it is therefore used as a substance with anti-inflammatory action for any pathological or paraphysiological situation involving increased oxidative stress or inflammation.

In addition, unlike simple selenium, selenium-methionine remains longer in the bloodstream, resulting in more prolonged efficacy; again, unlike other selenium-based vitamin supplements from brewer’s yeast, selenium-methionine supplements do not contain yeast and, consequently, cannot develop intestinal mycosis proliferations.

selenio metionina formula

 

SELENIUM IN FOODS

Foods containing selenium

The foods richest in selenium are fish and animal organs. Other good sources are red meat, dairy products and cereals. In general, however, the amount of selenium in plant-based foods depends on the characteristics of the soil in which they are grown.

Specifically:

Food Food Selenium content µg/100 g
Cattle kidney 145
Sheep kidney 145
Pig kidney 145
Tuna 112
Mormora 102
Lobster 68
Sardines 58
Mussel 49
Cattle liver 42
Sheep liver 42
Pig liver 42
Sole 36
Mullet 30
Prawns 30
Duck 22
Lamb 19

THE RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE OF SELENIUM

The recommended intake of selenium varies with age:

  • 20 micrograms per day, up to age 3 years.
  • 30 micrograms per day, ages 4 to 8 years.
  • 40 micrograms per day, ages 9 to 13 years.
  • 55 micrograms per day, from age 14 years.

In addition, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, women should take 60 and 70 micrograms per day of selenium, respectively.

THE ROLE OF SELENIUM

Selenium has multiple beneficial properties:

Oxidative stress process

  • It is an excellent antioxidant, which can counteract cellular oxidative stress and thus prevent the occurrence of cancer.

thyroid functioning

  • It has a protective action on the thyroid gland and ensures its proper functioning.

  • provides a protective action on the skin adnexa.

heart benefits

  • works as a blood thinner, thus protecting the cardiovascular system.

immune system

  • it strengthens the immune system.

natural anti-inflammatory agent

  • it is a natural anti-inflammatory

SELENIUM DEFICIENCY

Selenium deficiency is rare, even in countries where selenium intake is very low.

However, in some areas, where selenium intake is even lower, its deficiency is more likely to lead to the onset of pathological conditions:

  • Keshan disease is a viral disease that mainly affects children and young women: it damages the walls of the heart, resulting in cardiomyopathy.
  • Children who develop selenium deficiency at the growth stage may be affected by a debilitating disease called Kashin-Beck disease, which progresses slowly and affects joints and bones.
  • Selenium deficiency, when combined with iodine deficiency, can cause goiter and hypothyroidism.