Selenium Deficiency

Selenium is a trace element and liquid vitamins and minerals can help the processes of this nutrient in both humans and pets.

Selenium is essential in small amounts, but like all essential elements, it is toxic at high levels.

Humans and animals require this nutrient for the function of a number of selenium-dependent enzymes, also known as seleno-proteins.

During selenium-protein synthesis, selenocysteine is incorporated into a specific location in the amino acid sequence in order to form a functional protein.

Some of the various functions of these seleno-proteins are as antioxidant enzymes that reduce potentially damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide to harmless products like water and alcohol by their reduction with the oxidation process.

As an integral part of the process, selenium interacts with nutrients that affect cellular redox status (pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance).

Other minerals that are critical components of antioxidant enzymes include copper, zinc, and iron.

Selenium as gluthathione peroxide also appears to support the activity of vitamin E in limiting the oxidation of lipids.

Animal studies have indicated the selenium and vitamin E tends to spare one another; selenium deficiency may alter this process negatively while adequate amounts of this nutrient can prevent some of the damages that result from vitamin E deficiency.

This nutrient helps to provide the correct amounts that the body requires, as insufficient selenium intake results in decreased activity of the glutathione peroxidases as well as some thyroid activity.

Even when severe, isolated selenium deficiency does not usually result in obvious clinical tests.

Selenium-deficient individuals appear to be more susceptible to additional physiological stresses and supplementation appears to help with this symptom.

Clinical selenium deficiency has been observed in chronically ill patients who where receiving total patenteral nutrition (TPN) without added selenium for prolonged periods of time.

People who have had large portions of their intestine surgically removed or those who have severe gastrointestinal problems, such as Chron's disease, are also at a risk of deficiency due to impaired absorption resulting in another benefit of selenium supplementation.

Selenium supplements are available in several forms. Sodium selanite and sodium selenate are inorganic forms of this nutrient.

Selenate is almost completely absorbed, but a significant amount is excreted in the urine before it can be incorporated into proteins.

Selenium enriched yeast is also available as a supplement, but the consumer should beware that some forms of selenium yeast on the market contain yeast plus mainly inorganic forms of selenium.

Natural Treatments for Selenium Deficiency

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