SELENIUM

Selenium is a trace mineral that plays a significant role in maintaining the normal function of the immune system¹.*

In the 20th century, selenium was studied for its beneficial effect on the prostate health of men^2-4.* The American biochemist Thressa Stadtman first identified the biological importance of selenium in the synthesis of the redox enzyme glycine reductase. Further study showed that selenium occurs in proteins called selenoproteins, as a part of the amino acid selenocysteine. It was also established that selenocysteine is a structural part of glutathione peroxidase, and important redox enzyme with powerful antioxidant properties³.* These findings confirmed the beneficial effect of selenium on the prostate cells, experiencing oxidative stress initiated by excess reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated in the natural process of aging⁵.*

1. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products N and A (NDA). Vol 7.; 2009. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1220.
2. Eichholzer M, Steinbrecher A, Kaaks R, Teucher B, Linseisen J, Rohrmann S. BJU Int. 2012;110(11 Pt C):E879-85. doi:10.1111/j.1464-410X.2012.11383.x
3. Tinggi U. Environ Health Prev Med. 2008;13(2):102-108. doi:10.1007/s12199-007-0019-4
4. Muecke R, Klotz T, Giedl J, et al. Acta Oncol. 2009;48(3):452-456. doi:10.1080/02841860802403721
5. Cai Z, Zhang J, Li H. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2019;31(8):1035-1047. doi:10.1007/s40520-018-1086-7