Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Abstract

The chemical element selenium has the symbol Se and the atomic number 34. It is a nonmetal with properties that are midway between the elements sulphur and tellurium in the periodic table. Our body requires it in small amounts, yet it’s essential for several bodily functions, including metabolism and thyroid function. Selenium is a trace mineral that can aid in the improvement of cognition, immunological function, and fertility. It is also an essential component for thyroid hormone metabolism and DNA synthesis, as well as safeguarding the body from oxidative stress and infection. After consuming trace levels of selenium in foods, the body stores some of it in human tissue, primarily in skeletal muscles.

What is Selenomethionine?

Selenomethionine (SeMet) is an amino acid that occurs naturally. The predominant form of selenium found in Brazil nuts, cereal grains, soybeans, and grassland legumes is L-selenomethionine, whereas Se-methylselenocysteine, or its -glutamyl derivative, is found in Astragalus, Allium, and Brassica species. In the absence of methionine, selenomethionine is randomly integrated in the body. Selenomethionine is prone to oxidation. SeMet mixes with proteins in the body to generate antioxidants known as selenoproteins, which protect your cells from free radical damage. The antioxidant activity of selenium is due to its capacity to reduce reactive oxygen species. In many organisms, including humans, selenium and methionine have different roles in the production and recycling of glutathione, a crucial endogenous antioxidant.

SeMet is either converted directly to selenium or stored in lieu of methionine in body proteins when taken as a supplement. Nuts, whole grains, meat, eggs, and dairy products all contain this nutrient. Nutritionists believe that the organic form of selenium, selenomethionine, is easier for the human body to absorb than the inorganic form, selenite. Selenomethionine absorbs 19 percent better than selenite, according to a clinical investigation. Selenium insufficiency has also been linked to problems with human growth and reproduction. Degenerative disorders, such as muscular weakening, are linked to moderate deficiency. Low selenium levels have been linked to depression, worry, and perplexity.

How is Selenomethionine beneficial?

SeMet has been researched for its function in thyroid disorders, cancer, and heart disease prevention. It aids in reproduction, the creation of DNA, and the defence of the body against illness. It’s also been looked into for its role in mental health and how it can help to avoid cognitive decline. Let’s see how it specifically works!

1. Cancer

The capacity of selenium to minimise DNA damage and oxidative stress, enhance your immune system, and eliminate cancer cells has been attributed to this. According to a study, having a high blood level of selenium was linked to a lower risk of several malignancies, including breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers. It’s worth noting that this impact was exclusively linked to selenium received from foods rather than supplements.

2. Thyroid

The thyroid gland has the highest concentration of selenium in the human body. This mineral is essential for thyroid hormone production and metabolism. As a result, SeMet has been researched for its effects on thyroid illnesses. SeMet caused a greater reduction in antibodies against thyroglobulin (Tg), a protein produced by the thyroid, than the placebo, according to the results of a study. In children and adolescents with autoimmune thyroiditis, SeMet appeared to lower anti-Tg levels.

3. Heart Disease

Low selenium levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, therefore a selenium-rich diet may help keep your heart healthy. Selenium may help reduce inflammation markers in the body, which is one of the key risk factors for heart disease. It also raised glutathione peroxidase levels, a potent antioxidant. This suggests that selenium can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, are linked to oxidative damage. Atherosclerosis, or plaque formation in arteries, has been linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. Strokes, heart attacks, and heart disease are all significant health concerns that can be caused by atherosclerosis.

4. Immunity

By identifying and combating possible dangers, your immune system maintains your body healthy. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are examples. Selenium is necessary for the proper functioning of your immune system. Reducing oxidative stress reduces inflammation while also strengthening your immune system. Studies also show that the important mineral selenium can boost immune function and that a lack of selenium might impair immune cell responsiveness. Deficiency has also been linked to an increased risk of death and disease progression in HIV patients.

5. Cognitive Function

Selenium levels in the body tend to drop as people get older. As a result, reduced selenium levels may be associated with age-related cognitive impairments, presumably due to selenium’s lesser antioxidant activity. The neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis are all linked to oxidative stress. As a result, selenium may reduce oxidative damage, lowering your chance of Alzheimer’s disease and protecting your cognitive health. Low levels of selenium, as well as other nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E, have been discovered in Alzheimer’s patients.

6. Asthma

The most prevalent type of asthma is allergic asthma, which is a chronic inflammatory illness. Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing are some of the symptoms that occur when these airways become inflamed and restricted. Increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammation in the body have been linked to asthma. Due to selenium’s anti-inflammatory properties, it may help to alleviate asthma symptoms. Selenium levels in asthmatics have been discovered to be low. However, there is a link between lung function and selenium levels in those with mild to moderate asthma who have low selenium compared to those who do not have the inflammatory condition.

7. Strong Antioxidants

Antioxidants are chemicals found in meals that protect cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are natural results of daily bodily functions such as metabolism. Free radicals receive a bad image, but they’re necessary for your health. They serve a variety of purposes, including disease prevention. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress, on the other hand, might result in an excess of free radicals. This causes oxidative stress, which in turn harms the healthy cells.

What is the diet rich in SeMet? How does it get absorbed??

Maintaining an optimum level of Se is critical because both deficit and excess can be harmful to human health. What’s more, because this microelement has a small range of safety, it’s critical to maintain its optimal level in the body. SeMet’s main dietary sources include oysters, Brazil nuts, halibut, yellowfin tuna, eggs, sardines, sunflower seeds, chicken breast, and shiitake mushrooms. The Se compounds are typically absorbed in the duodenum and cecum, and the mode of absorption is determined by the chemical form of ingested Se. Simple diffusion or secondary active transport are used to absorb inorganic chemicals (selenides). Organic substances (SeMet, Sec, methylselenocysteine) are absorbed in the same way that amino acids are by active transport.

Plant-based foods have different amounts of selenium depending on the selenium level of the soil in which they were cultivated. As a result, selenium concentrations in crops are mostly determined by where they are grown. One study found that selenium levels in Brazil nuts varied greatly depending on area. A single Brazil nut from one place may supply up to 288 percent of the needed daily consumption, while others only provided 11 percent. As a result, it’s critical to eat a balanced diet that includes multiple good sources of this crucial mineral.

What happens when SeMet is taken in excess?

Although selenium is essential for optimal health, too much of it can be harmful. High doses of selenium, in fact, can be harmful and even fatal. While selenium poisoning is uncommon, it’s vital to stick to the daily recommended dose of 55 mcg and never exceed the acceptable upper limit of 400 mcg. The selenium content of Brazil nuts is extremely high. Selenium poisoning can occur if you consume too much. Selenides, selenates, and other inorganic Se compounds have a high toxicity potential mostly through causing dermatitis, hair loss, nail deformities, nausea, diarrhoea, and peripheral neuropathy via unknown processes.

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SeMet helps protect your body from oxidative stress and has an important role in metabolism and thyroid function. Furthermore, selenium may aid in the enhancement of your immune system, the prevention of age-related mental decline, and even the reduction of your risk of heart disease. From oysters to mushrooms to Brazil nuts, this nutrient can be found in a wide range of foods. Increasing your intake of selenium-rich foods is a great approach to stay healthy. Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other government agencies do not regulate SeMet or other supplements. As a result, the quality of the products, as well as their effectiveness, vary widely. It’s thus, best to seek advice from your doctor when it comes to selecting the proper supplement for you. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com