Lutein Benefits and Dosage

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Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in the human eye. The highest concentration is found in the macular area of the retina. About 80% of the carotenoid content in the retina is Lutein and zeaxanthin. The macula is a specialized region in the back of the eye which allows you to clearly see fine details. In addition to sunlight exposure, age, smoking and diet have been identified as risk factors for age-related macular degeneration. One function of zeaxanthin and lutein revealed by research is their capacity to serve as an antioxidant.

What is Age Related Macular Degeneration?

Age related macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in those aged over 50. The macula is a small spot in the centre of the retina that processes sharp, clear vision. With age-related macular degeneration, the macula cells become damaged, leading to gradual loss of your central vision. Macular degeneration disables this retinal function, leaving only a margin of peripheral vision. There are different kinds of macular problems, but the most common is age-related macular degeneration. The worldwide incidence of the disease grows from 1 in 10 people over the age of 60 to more than 1 in 4 people over the age of 75.

Zeaxanthin and Lutein Benefits

Zeaxanthin and lutein may protect the retina in two ways, as antioxidants to oxidative stress from metabolism, and by filtering short wavelengths of light they also reduce the oxidative effect of blue light .Within the skin, lutein appears to be deposited in the epidermis  and dermis, providing its antioxidant and blue-light absorption functions throughout the depth of the skin.

According to a 1995 study, increasing the consumption of dark green, leafy vegetables appears to offer some protection against macular degeneration. In a study of 380 people aged 66-75 years in the UK, people with lower blood levels of lutein plus zeaxanthin were more likely to have age-related macular degeneration.

A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association provided the  of evidence that lutein supplements, taken in capsule form  6-30 mg per day, can lower the risk of macular degeneration up to 43 percent. In a 2009 study of 37 healthy adults, researchers found that subjects who took lutein supplements for 12 weeks experienced improvements in visual function. A  study from Beijing-based researchers, reported in the British Journal of Nutrition, has noted improvements in the sensitivity to contrast on a computer screen in subjects taking lutein. The study concluded that “a higher intake of lutein may have beneficial effects on the visual performance. A research study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, suggests that zeaxanthin supplementation preventeddiabetes-induced increase in retinal damage. The Health Professional’s Follow-Up Study also found that high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin  lowered the need for cataract surgery.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Food Sources

Lutein is found in egg yolk and many plants and vegetables, including red peppers, broccoli, mustard, zucchini, corn, garden peas, spinach, collard greens and kale. Rich sources of zeaxanthin  are dark, leafy greens, as well as broccoli, corn, Brussels sprouts, zucchini and peas.

Carotenoids such as lutein, and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble substances, and as such require the presence of dietary fat for proper absorption through the digestive tract. The concentrations of various carotenoids in human serum and tissues are highly variable and depend on food sources, efficiency of absorption, and amount of fat in the diet. The researchers suspect that lutein from eggs is more readily absorbed into the bloodstream than lutein from other sources because of components in the egg’s yolk, such as lecithin.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Dosage

Lutein supplements are available in soft-gel capsule form. Daily amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin are generally recommended at 20 mg of lutein and 3-10 mg of zeaxanthin. 12mg dose of lutein improved vision in health computer users. Lutein supplements contain trace amounts of natural or dietary zeaxanthin. A recommended amount of zeaxanthin is 10 mg daily for anyone diagnosed with macular degeneration and 3 mg for those taking it as a preventative measure.

Oleuropein Side Effects and Benefits

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Oleuropein is the active ingredient found in green olives and olive leaf. Olive leaf extracts; are made from the fresh or dried leaves of the same plant species that produces olive fruit and olive oil. The effectiveness of olive leaf extract depends largely on the rate of oleuropein. Oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol have powerful antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the compounds leine, oleasterol and glycoside oleoside reside within the olive leaf.

Oleuropein Benefits

The oleuropein in olive leaf is a natural wide-spectrum antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It has proven to be useful in cases of yeast and fungal infections, herpes, allergies, psoriasis, chronic fatigue, and many other pathogens. In 1962 an Italian researcher recorded that oleuropein had the effect to lower blood pressure in animals. another  researchers validated that claim and also found it to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, relieve arrhythmia.

Antioxidant

Olive leaf extract contains  extremely potent antioxidant. The main phytochemicals for this antioxidant action are oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. Free radicals are highly reactive chemical substances that, when oxidized, can cause cellular damage. Antioxidants are capable of slowing and preventing the oxidation of molecules in the body. Experts discovered, in an study, that olive leaf extract contained twice the antioxidants of green tea extract and 400 % higher than Vitamin C. Olive leaf extract provides nutritional support for detoxification at the cellular level, when the body is under stress.

Immune System

In 1969, Upjohn company’s researchers found that olive leaf inhibits the growth of every virus, bacterium, yeast, fungus, and protozoan that it was tested against. The virucidal activity of oleuropein was due to its interaction with the protein coat of the virus and not with its genetic material. Olive leaf extract is thought to be effective in helping the body to routinely combat numerous pathogens as well as help restore a flagging immune system. At the “Robert Lyons Clinic” of Budapest, a research study was done on 500 people from the ages of 12 to over 50 for the some diseases: Respiratory conditions; lung diseases; dental diseases; skin conditions such as herpes and other viral skin conditions; bacterial skin infections and Helicobacter pylori infection. The rate of  recovery from all bacterial and viral infections was 98 percent.

Other agent contained in oleuropein is elenolic acid. This ingredient is particularly effective in maintaining the body’s immune system. Studies have found that elenolic acid helps the body to balance levels of friendly bacteria and support the immune system. Oleuropein is converted into elenolic acid in the body which may prevent viruses and bacteria from replicating. According to lab experiments, calcium elenolate  kills viruses by interfering with certain amino acid production processes. This intervention prevents virus shedding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane. researches suggest  that this compound has the ability to penetrate infected host cells and irreversibly inhibit viral replication. Anti-HIV effects of Olive leaf extract include upregulation of the expression of apoptosis inhibitor proteins as well as protein kinase signaling molecules. A study in published 2003 issue of Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications concluded that olive leaf extract might inhibit the spread of the HIV-1 virus by preventing cell-to-cell transmission. In a study, olive leaf extract helped to prevent the adherence of the hemorrhagic septicaemia virus to normal healthy cells, and reduced the infectivity of the virus by up to 30%. This study “Antiviral Research” was published in the journal.

Anti-Tumor

In-vitro studies have shown that oleuropein is non-toxic antioxidant with potent anti-tumor property. When oleuropein was administered orally to mice that had developed tumors, it regressed the tumors in 9 to 12 days. In an experiment, oleuropein irreversibly rounded cancer cells, preventing their replication, motility, and invasiveness; these effects were reversible in normal cells. When administered orally to mice that developed spontaneous tumors, oleuropein completely regressed tumors in 9-12 days. This experiment; reported by Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. An extract from olive leaf,  arrested growth in a tissue culture of human breast cancer cells at an early stage in the growth cycle. (Food and Chemical Toxicology – January 2011)

Antibiotic

Serious problem  with bacteria is that they mutate. Antibiyotik drugs  which were once highly effective become ineffective as bacteria mutate and develop a resistance to them. Olive leaf one of nature’s best antimicrobial agents. Researches shows that when olive leaf is taken orally, it searches out and “inactivates” bacteria. It does this by dissolving the outer lining of the infectious germs and then penetrates the infected cells, thus inhibiting the replication of the bacteria. In one study, compounds isolated from olive leaf inhibited the growth of many  bacterial and fungal strains; Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. In a study conducted in 2003 the effect of olive leaf extract was tested  on the candida fungus. Within 24 hours the candida microorganisms died.

Oleuropein Dosage

Olive leaf extract can be taken as liquid concentrate, dried leaf tea, powder, or capsule. Olive leaf is available as a dried extract containing 6 to 15 percent oleuropein. Dosages recommended by health care professionals include one or two capsules totaling 500 mg daily for preventive purposes. For  flu or colds, take two capsules every 6 hours; and for acute infections, take three or four capsules every 6 hours for rapid results.

Oleuropein Side Effects

Concomitant use of olive leaf extract blood pressure-lowering or diabetes medications should be avoided. Don’t use olive leaf extracts if you are pregnant or breast feeding. People taking olive leaf extract for the first time may experience the “die-off” effect. This is a reaction to the detoxification process as the body attempts to flush itself of toxins. Reactions include fatigue, diarrhea, headaches or flu-like symptoms. Severity differs also from person to person, depending on the extent of infection.

Rhodiola Benefits and Dosage

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Rhodiola rosea, is a perennial plant which grows on the sandy, rocky, cold, and dry soil of Siberian mountain slopes. While research has been conducted on the plant in some areas of the world, only recently has the West begun to investigate its health benefits. Rhodiola is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asia. Since 1961, more than 180 studies have been published in Slavic and Scandinavian journals.

Rhodiola Benefits

Rhodiola rosea contains rosavin, salidrosides, rosarin and tyrosol. There have been many studies conducted on rhodiola and many have published positive results. Studies in cell cultures, animals, and humans have revealed antifatigue, anti-stress, anticancer, antioxidant, immune enhancing and sexual stimulating effects.

Adaptogenic

Rhodiola  is an adaptogenic herb, this means that it works by having a positive impact on the balance of the whole body, not just treating one condition. An adaptogen is a physiological agent that naturally increases the body’s resistance to physical and emotional stress. Numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials show that rhodiola can increase general wellbeing, reduce mental fatigue, and improve learning and memory.

Energy

Rhodiola extract has been shown to increase physical and mental performance by more efficiently mobilizing and sustaining muscular energy reserves. Rhodiola extract increases the level of enzymes, RNA, and proteins important to muscle recovery after exhaustive exercise. Rhodiola does help improve mental and physical performance, according to a study published in 2010 in Phytomedicine. In one study of 112 athletes, researchers discovered that 89% of those supplemented with rhodiola showed rapid improvement in both speed and strength during track and field, swimming, speed skating and ski racing.

Depression

Rhodiola rosea has been clinically shown to stimulate serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine activity and may help to support a healthy neurotransmitter balance. A study published in 2007 in the  Nordic Journal of Psychiatry showed that patients with mild to-moderate depression who took a rhodiola extract reported fewer symptoms than those who took a placebo. The root extracts of rhodiola were shown to have strong anti-depressant effects by inhibiting monoamine oxidases A and B. According to a study published in the  2009 edition of  The Journal of Ethnopharmacology,  rhodiola contains potent antidepressant properties that may improve mood and function of the nervous system. Rhodiola has been found to stimulate the neurotransmitters responsible for creating feelings of well-being as well as offering significant relief for low energy conditions like asthenia. A 100-300 mg dose is recommended to promote healthy cognitive functions such as focus, attention, concentration, memory and mental sharpness.

Cortisol

Rhodiola modulates cortisol production during times of physical or emotional duress. Although an important hormone, the excessive release of cortisol that accompanies stressful situations can negatively impact on the metabolism. When cortisol is produced at an elevated amount and stays in our system for a prolonged period of time, it can do more damage than good. Rhodiola  increases immune response while blocking the immune lowering effects of cortisol.

Immune Booster

Rhodiola rosea, stimulates appropriate immune responses. Has been found in studies to help to increase the activity of natural killer cells. The compounds in rhodiola attacks the virus at a cellular level by it’s immune stimulating action.  It also improves T-cell immunity and increases the bodies resistance to toxins accumulated during infection. Stress suppresses immunity and destroys resistance to various forms of  virus or bacterial  attack. Also, by making us less susceptible to stress, rhodiola helps our immunity to disease indirectly.

Cancer

Administration of rhodiola  extract appears to have potential as an anticancer agent. It helps to inhibit tumor growth on its own, and is also anti-mutagenic, substantially reducing the development of chromosomal aberrations. Study have shown that rhodiola reduced the cell mutations associated with cancer as well as help the body’s ability to repair DNA mutations. A study in rats showed that rhodiola decreased tumor growth by 39% and inhibited metastases by 50%. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that rhodiola  inhibited the cell division of certain cancer cells and effectively reduced their ability to survive. Another study published in April 2011 concerning treatments for bladder cancer concluded that rhodiola rosea and one of its bioactive components, salidroside showed positive effects on inhibiting the growth of bladder cancer cells.

Rhodiola Dosage

The usual dose of rhodiola is 200 to 600 mg daily (2-3% rosavins and 0.8-1% salidroside). The most recent comprehensive clinical trial, conducted  in 2007, suggested effective daily dosage of rhodiola rosea was in the 340 to 680 milligram range. In tincture form, to 40 drops are used, two to three times a day.

Rhodiola Side Effects

Generally, rhodiola rosea side effects are rare and very few. Rhodiola can cause restlessness, irritability and insomnia if taken in high doses. It is not recommended for people who are bipolar, manic, paranoid, or during pregnancy or lactation. The activating and antidepressant effects of rhodiola can trigger manic reaction in those with bipolar disorder.

D-Ribose Benefits and Side Effects

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D-Ribose is a sugar that has been shown to boost levels of the energy compound ATP. Because D-ribose is a simple sugar, it is extremely well absorbed. Food sources do not supply enough of the recommended amounts of ribose. However, the body generally synthesized enough ribose from glucose to meet its needs. D-Ribose is thought to promote the recovery of ATP, the primary energy carrying molecule, levels within the body. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is what provides the energy needed for short burst of power movements during  activity. The availability of D-Ribose in cells is therefore a limiting factor in energy recovery following cellular stress. Our bodies make ribose naturally, but in stressful situations the need is greater than our supply to satisfy the loss of energy from our cells. D-ribose also helps comprise genetic materials, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).

D-Ribose Benefits

D-Ribose has been used to prevent symptoms such as cramping, pain, and stiffness after exercise in patients with an inherited disorder called myoadenylate deaminase deficiency or AMP deaminase deficiency. D-ribose helps maintain efficient levels of cellular energy and reduces the effects of a deficiency of cellular energy. Researches have shown that D-ribose increases physical functioning overall, exercise tolerance, diastolic functioning and quality of life in congestive heart failure patients.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary source of energy for all cellular processes is a molecule known as adenosine triphosphate. Active cells constantly replenish their supply of adenosine triphosphate to produce vital cellular energy.  But, under conditions of  injury, stress, or aging, critical body tissues such as heart and skeletal muscles cannot produce ATP quickly enough to perform optimally. D-ribose, a carbohydrate molecule found in every living organism, facilitates the production of adenosine triphosphate.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

D-ribose may help some individuals with  fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, is a pain specialist who advocates using D-Ribose to help relieve the symptoms of some health problems. In a study in 2006 concluded that D-ribose supplementation significant level improved symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, including  sleep, energy, mental clarity, pain intensity. Among these people, their energy levels increased  average 45 percent and they experienced an about 30 percent boost in overall well-being. The experts concluded that ribose significantly reduced clinical symptoms in these patients  suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Research published in 2009 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, D-ribose supplements helped reduce fatigue in older adults, further qualifying ribose’s potential in fighting fibromyalgia fatigue.

Athletic Performance

The availability of D-Ribose in cells is therefore essential for energy recovery and muscular recovery following cellular stress. Most of the body’s tissues, including the heart, are unable to produce ribose quickly enough to restore energy levels once they have fallen substantially. Studies indicate that oral use of D-Ribose leads to an increase of the power productivity in athletes and improves the capacity of skeletal muscles to quickly recover their energy levels after high intensity workouts. A research has shown that D-ribose supplementation increases the manufacture of ATP in skeletal muscle by anything up to 430 %.  Dr. Terjung found that ribose treatment in fatigued muscle increased the level of energy recovery by 340% to 430%, depending on which type of muscle was tested.

Congestive Heart Failure

D-ribose helps energize your heart and muscles by increasing energy on a cellular level. Clinical studies have shown that D-ribose can help to restore energy and function to the heart. It is especially helpful to those with Ischemic Heart Disease and Congestive Heart Failure. Findings show D-ribose directly contributes to the rejuvenation of injured heart muscles. Researchers have shown how increased ATP levels translate into improved heart muscle function, better blood flow, and quicker recovery with protection from the ravages of reperfusion-induced oxidation. Some studies show that following a heart attack, ribose helped ATP levels and heart function return to normal within 48 hours. Patients with ischemia may experience a fall of 50 % or more ATP. In one study conducted at the University of Bonn  in Germany, patients with congestive heart failure were treated with either 10 grams of D-ribose or placebo every day for 3 weeks.  Echocardiography test, heart function improved, and quality of life questionnaires reflected effects. In this study, Ribose therapy had a significant effect on all measures of diastolic heart function.

A clinical study in 1992 showed that D-ribose administration to patients with severe, stable coronary artery disease increased exercise tolerance and delayed the onset of moderate angina. Since this groundbreaking study in coronary artery disease, the effects of D-ribose have been reported for cardiac surgery recovery, heart failure and neuromuscular disease treatment, restoration of energy to stressed skeletal muscle, and control of free-radical formation in oxygen-deprived tissue. Presented by the Association for Academic Surgery and Society of University Surgeons at the Second Annual Academic Surgical Congress, findings shows that D-Ribose has positive effects on the hearts of patients of heart attacks. A studyin published 2009 issue of the ‘International Journal of Cardiology‘ reports that D-ribose supplementation significant level  improved exercise performance in people with advanced heart failure.

D-Ribose Dosage

D-ribose supplements are available in powder, tablet and capsule form. D-Ribose can be taken in powder form and mixed into liquid like juice or water. Also can be given intravenously. For medical issues like CFS or heart failure, some experts have recommended 15-30 grams per day. Doctors sometimes give ribose intravenously as part of an imaging procedure used to measure the extent of damaged heart muscle in people with coronary artery disease. It should contain proven amounts that have shown to be effective in studies. Dosage in these studies ranged between 5-60 grams daily. Study participants with heart problems including angina have taken up to 60 g per day, and the study on the effect of ribose on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia used 15 g per day. In the study on chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, participants took 5 grams of d-ribose 3 times a day. For muscle health; 5 grams with each meal for the first 2 weeks. Is important to use the proper dose for the first 3 weeks. It is 5 grams  three times a day. It can then be dropped to twice a day. D-ribose should be taken just before and just after exercise or activity.

D-Ribose Side Effects

Digestive problems, such as nausea, stomach ache and diarrhea. However these side effects are usually mild and are relatively uncommon. D-ribose will temporarily depress blood sugar several points for an hour after ingestion. When combined with other drugs can lower blood sugar too much.

Selenium Benefits and Foods

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Selenium is an essential mineral required in small amounts. This vital mineral was discovered in 1817 by Swedish chemist, Jons Berzelius. In 1957, Foltz  and Schwartz established selenium as an essential trace element in nutrition for the prevention of disease. The human body selenium content is considered to be  average 12-20 milligrams. Selenium is present in almost every cell in the body. However mostly, is found in the kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas, thyroid, testes, and the lymph nodes.

Sources of High Selenium

Brewer’s yeast, Brazil nuts, wheat germ, butter, garlic, chives, sunflower seeds, raisins, eggs, whole grains, brown rice, lean meats, cheddar, mozzarella cheese, mustard seeds, mushrooms, halibut, mackerel, herring, smelts, tuna, cod, salmon, redsnapper, swordfish, flounder and shellfish selenium-containing foods. The level of selenium in plants depends on the soil in which they are grown. Selenium can be lost when food is processed or refined.

Selenium Benefits

Requires selenium to create selenoproteins, enzymes important to human health. Selenoproteins are antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are by-products of oxidation and can occur during normal metabolism, can also be exposed to free radicals in smoke or other toxic exposures. Selenium is a vital component of the antioxidant enzyme known as glutathione peroxidase. Production of glutathione peroxidase for free radical scavenging depends upon the availability of selenium. (The level of blood selenium is determined by measuring the of this enzyme. Erythrocyte, serum and tissue levels of glutathione peroxidase can be measured to assess selenium rate. Selenium in hair and nails can also be measured). Glutathione peroxidase protects cell membranes from effect from free radicals released from hydrogen peroxide formed during normal metabolism in the cells mitochondria. Selenium and vitamin E have complementary however independent effects as antioxiadants in the protection of cells against the damaging effects of lipid peroxides and free radicals producedduring normal metabolism. Vitamin E and selenium work synergistically. Selenium when combined with vitamin E, it has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect.

Selenium and Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane and selenium have also been shown to work synergistically protecting the body cells against damage caused by free radicals. Sulforaphane and other isothiocyanates have a chemical structure that makes them antioxidants. That is, although both selenium and sulforaphane have beneficial effects alone, when they are combined it is reported that their cancer fighting properties are increased thirteen fold. When combined, sulforaphane and selenium had a bigger impact on the genes than they did alone. The research in question is published in the journal “Carcinogenesis“.

Immune Response

Selenium, can help build up white blood cells, which boosts the body’s ability to fight illness and infection. Selenium supplementation in individuals who are not overtly selenium deficient appears to stimulate the immune response. Selenium supplementation was found to reduce the viral load in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Selenium may increase resistance to HIV by enhancing the action of T-cells and modifying their production of cytokines. In a 2007 study conducted by the University of Miami; researchers observed that the selenium group reduces HIV viral load compared to the placebo group. In addition, selenium plays a role in reducing cellular stress and breakdown caused by the HIV virus. Selenium helps to produce antibodies, proteins in the blood and lymph that destroy bacteria, viruses and parasites that attack the body.also, selenium may stimulate the formation of antibodies in response to vaccines.

Anticancer

Often have low levels of selenium in cancer patients. A study published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology” measured serum selenium levels in over 9,000 Finns from 1968 to 1976. The research in question; revealed that those who previously had serum selenium amounts of less than 46 ng/ml were more likely to get lung cancer. Five-year study conducted at the the Cornell University and University of Arizona showed that consumption of 200 micrograms of selenium daily resulted in 63% fewer prostate tumors, 58% fewer colorectal cancers, 46% fewer lung malignancies, and a 39% overall decrease in cancer deaths. Selenomethionine is considered to be the best absorbed and utilized form of selenium. In one study of 1,312 people, those who took 200 mcg of selenium  per day had 2/3 lower risk of developing prostate cancer during the 4.5-year study compared to those who took a placebo. In a 1997 study published in Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, supplements of 200 mcg of selenium a day were shown to lower the risk of  mortality from prostate, colorectal and lung cancers. Researches indicates that the methylated forms of selenium are the active species against tumors, and these methylated selenium compounds are produced at the greatest amounts with excess selenium intakes. A study conducted at “Harvard University“; found that men with high selenium levels have a 65 % lower chance of getting prostate cancer and recommends 159 micrograms of the mineral for the protective effect. Study results published in 2004 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that people with the highest blood levels of selenium had a 34 % lower risk of abnormal cell growth and developing new polyps in the rectum and colon. Anticancer mechanism of selenium; 1-As anti-oxidant, can help protect the body from harmful effects of free radicals. 2- improving immune system function. 3-increasing the levels of selenium metabolites that inhibit tumor cell growth. 4-Affecting the metabolism of carcinogens. 5- Selenium has been shown to induce DNA repair and synthesis in damaged cells, to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, and to induce their apoptosis.

Thyroid

Selenium is a critical mineral for maintaining healthy function of the thyroid gland. Is a necessary component of three enzymes that contribute to thyroid hormone production and your thyroid contains more selenium than any other tissue in your body. (Selenium is needed in the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 into its active version, T3).  In order for the thyroid to produce the most active form of its hormone, selenium is not only essential, also helps regulate the amount of hormone that is produced. Selenium and iodine work together to convert the inactive hormone T4 into active T3 to circulate properly in your bloodstream and signal different cellular functions. In addition, selenium may have the ability to suppress anti-thyroid antibodies for persons who suffer from thyroid inflammation or thyroiditis.

Male Fertility

Selenium increases fertility in men by enhancing sperm production and sperm movement. Blood selenium amounts have been found to be lower in men with low sperm counts. A young and healthy man produces more than four million sperm per hour in each testicle. Selenium acts to help prevent oxidation of the sperm cell, aiding in maintaining sperm cell integrity. Research has shown that selenium improves the health of Leydig cells inside testes. This has the beneficial effect of improving sperm quality. In one Scottish study; (96 men), received either a composite tablet containing selenium and vitamins and minerals  or a placebo tablet to be taken daily for a period of three months. The sperm quality was recorded before and after the study. Showed  that the motility of sperm cells in the treatment groups had increased by as much as 80 % but when the men stopped taking the tablet, their sperm cell quality was seen to fall again. (To produce improvement in sperm quality, a daily intake of 130 mcg  per day is required.) In another study, 500 infertile men took 200 micrograms of selenium per day, 600 mg of NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) per day, these two nutrients combined or a placebo. After 26 weeks, men who had taken NAC and selenium together had more sperm with normal structure and form, more balanced levels of a group of hormones that regulate and control the number of sperm, more concentrated sperm counts and better sperm movement. (“Journal of Urology,” date of publication 2008)

Selenium Supplements

•Selenomethionine

•Selenium yeast

•Selenium-amino acid chelates

•Sodium selenite and sodium selenate

Selenium yeast and selenomethionine are an organic form of selenium. Inorganic forms of selenium are sodium selenite, and sodium selenate. Inorganic forms are not absorbed as organic forms. Selenite has about a 50 % absorption level. Selenate is almost completely absorbed. Selenate is almost completely absorbed. But, a significant amount is excreted in the urine before it can be used by the body’s protein. In one study, selenium levels in red blood cells of people receiving selenomethionine increased by 100% after 16 weeks supplementation. Neither selenate nor selenite produced significant increases under the same conditions.

Maximum Daily Dose of Selenium

The RDA for Selenium is 55-70 micrograms (mcg), and recommendations include 100-200 micrograms. Dosage should not exceed 400 micrograms per day. The doses used in experimental studies; To strengthen the immune system 100 mcg. Infection 100 mcg. To prevent cancer; 200 mcg, colon cancer 200 mcg. HIV 400 mcg.

Selenium Toxicity Symptoms

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nail changes, hair loss, skin lesions, facial flushing, garlic breath, muscle cramps, joint pain and loss of energy. Selenium supplements should not be taken with anticoagulant medications or medications that slow the blood-clotting process. This mineral is also;  may interact with other medicines, such as, chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids, statin drugs, birth control pills and antacids.