Trace element selenium value. May help increase fertility

Today, we already know that selenium is a powerful immune-stimulating and carcinostatic agent with a wide range of effects on our health. There is no other mineral that is so vital to our antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Are you suffering from rheumatism? Do you have a weak heart and high blood pressure? Do you often get infections? These symptoms are often the result of selenium deficiency.

What is selenium for?

The first data that heralded the success Selena in the fight against cancer, brought a study conducted in Lingjiang (China). It was the only study in which the use of synthetic beta-carotene supplements had an impressive effect in reducing the incidence of cancer among thirty thousand people. But in Lingjiang alone, subjects were given 50 micrograms of selenium per day for five years!

Perhaps the most successful cancer prevention study ever conducted was published on December 25, 1996. It took ten years and was supported by the National Institute for the Study of Cancer; 1312 volunteers took part in the experiments (75 percent of them were men). During this time, the subjects were given 200 micrograms of selenium (from yeast) daily. Those who took selenium had a 49% reduction in deaths from the three most common cancers (lung, prostate, and colon or rectum).

Published at the end of 1996, the details of the study in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association told the world about the amazing results regarding this mineral. The results of this study should change the way we think about cancer prevention and the use of nutritional supplements. They should certainly let us know that we need more for optimal cancer protection. Selena than food can provide. Supplements provide excellent and inexpensive protection against this killer disease.

And as the famous American cardiologist Dr. Atkins said about this: “A substance that can reduce the incidence of cancer by almost 40% and reduce cancer mortality by 50% should be proclaimed our greatest breakthrough in medicine and distributed to people around the world.”

Any substance that boosts the immune system and prevents oxidation can be expected to protect us in the war against cancer. Therefore, a study that showed a 50% reduction in cancer deaths is not a bolt from the blue, which should be approached with distrust.

The same epidemiology allows us to predict the value Selena.

Population studies have firmly established that in those regions of the world where the content of selenium in the soil is higher, the rates of lung cancer of the rectum, cervix and uterus are significantly lower. Research in Finland has shown that male cancer patients have lower blood levels of selenium than healthy individuals, and selenium may be one of the most important nutrients to protect against these cancers. Cases of lymphoma, a type of cancer that is rapidly increasing in prevalence, are much more common among people with low levels of selenium in their blood.

In addition, this microelement enhances the body's immune defense against viruses and other pathogenic aggressors, and laboratory experiments show noticeable changes in such elements of the immune system as white blood cells, natural killer cells, antibodies, macrophages and interferon.

Some research suggests that regular prophylactic selenium supplementation may prevent hepatitis, herpes, and even Ebola virus infections. It is possible that selenium supplements help keep the HIV virus in a latent state, preventing it from developing into full-blown AIDS.

Maintaining an optimal level Selena not only replenishes its loss from the action of the virus and strengthens the immune system. Essentially, the mineral works much like several drugs that have been proposed for the treatment of AIDS—it inhibits a virus-associated substance called reverse transcriptase.

Based on all these considerations, Gerhard Schrauser is the most famous specialist in selenium claims that this mineral may be the single most important supplement for people infected with the deadly virus.

Because the full immune-boosting effects of a standard supplement program may not appear until six months, Schrauser suggests that clinicians can achieve a faster response by giving a very short initial course with daily doses of up to 8,000 mcg (8 mg).

Clinical observations have also shown that selenium is an important supplement for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death.

Selenium protects the heart not only through its role in the production of glutathione peroxidase, which helps maintain antioxidant activity, but also by limiting the presence of toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead in the body, which can damage heart tissue. Finally, selenium protects the heart from oxygen deprivation, from the toxic effects of drugs like adriamycin, and from Keshan disease.

The anti-inflammatory properties of this mineral, especially when combined with vitamin E and other antioxidants, help relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

In osteoarthritis, selenium also has a beneficial effect. However, the effect is not achieved immediately; it may take up to six months before the results of the application Selena will become noticeable. Since the selenium-dependent enzyme glutathione peroxidase has anti-inflammatory properties, selenium is also useful in the treatment of other inflammatory diseases, such as colitis and psoriasis. (The best results in the treatment of psoriasis are obtained with direct application Selena on the affected skin.)

Selenium is important for thyroid function because the enzyme that activates the master thyroid hormone (T4) depends on it. Selenium not only activates thyroid hormone, it protects the thyroid from the damaging effects of free radicals that can lead to hypothyroidism. Apparently supplements Selena especially important for older people with thyroid disorders.

Selenium's main unappreciated contribution to health is related to its ability to eliminate the threat posed by such toxic metals as lead, platinum and mercury. It bonds with metals, rendering them inert and harmless.

An example is people who work with mercury in the former Yugoslavia. Although they are exposed to large amounts of this metal, due to the fact that the local soil is rich in selenium, their diet contains enough of this mineral to protect them from poisoning. Another clinical benefit has recently been demonstrated Selena- the ability to reduce the toxicity of platinum-containing chemotherapeutic drugs.

When sudden abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting signal acute pancreatitis, selenium can be a lifesaver. Doctors found that the introduction of this mineral relieves inflammation of the pancreas in twenty-four hours.

To take full advantage of the anti-cancer protective properties of selenium, we all need to take a 200 mcg supplement daily.

For additional insurance against inflammation, viral infection, weakened immune system, or heavy metal poisoning, the 400 mcg dose is more suitable, which is still quite safe. The best solution for psoriasis Selena for outdoor use.

Doses Selena up to 1000 micrograms is usually quite safe for short-term treatment, but not for long-term use. Selenium can be poisonous. In certain regions of the world where soils are rich selenium, a normal daily diet contains up to 700 micrograms of this mineral, but no side effects or signs of poisoning have been observed in local residents. However, no matter what dose you use, combine it with vitamin E. These two antioxidants make up for each other's deficiency.

Consequences of deficiency

There are no easy enough ways to define content Selena in food. Two plots of land, separated by only 2 kilometers from each other, can differ in the content of this mineral by a thousand times. Intensive farming, soil erosion and acid rain contribute to impoverishment selenium soil and, ultimately, what we eat. Therefore, nutritional tables that claim to list the composition of nutrients in a variety of fruits and vegetables should be treated with a certain degree of distrust.

When we don't have Selena, then there is no glutathione peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant enzyme. Its absence leaves a huge hole in our defenses against oxidative diseases, including cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cataracts.

Selenium deficiency is very common in people infected with HIV, and the lower the selenium level compared to the norm, the more damage HIV can cause to an organism with a weakened immune system. In fact, one of the theories of the development of AIDS suggests that HIV depletes the content Selena in the infected cell until it falls below a critical level. Then the cell bursts and the virus reproduces.

It has been found that people with low blood levels of selenium have a 70% higher risk of coronary heart disease compared to those with normal levels of this mineral; Danish researchers have shown that low plasma selenium concentration is a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Many population-based studies indicate that selenium is a protective nutrient against heart and arterial disease.

Reduced content Selena in the blood observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Low levels Selena have also been found in asthmatics. In a study of people in New Zealand, where the soil is low in selenium, it was found that people with low levels of the selenium-dependent enzyme glutathione peroxidase were six times more likely to have asthma.

Selenium is important for thyroid function because the enzyme that activates the master thyroid hormone (T4) depends on it. In the absence of Selena the effect of thyroid replacement therapy may be incomplete; this means that selenium deficiency can lead to slow metabolism and even obesity.

Dr. Atkins, a renowned American cardiologist, discovered that the main cause of multiple sclerosis is the accumulation of toxic metals in the body. And since it is selenium that has the ability to eliminate the threat posed by such toxic metals as lead, platinum and mercury, multiple sclerosis is more common in regions where there is no selenium. In addition, those suffering from this disease have low levels of glutathione, which is a sign of selenium deficiency.

In both men and women, the ability to reproduce depends on optimal intake Selena. The same applies to the health of the child being born. Along with folic acid and zinc, selenium is critical in preventing children from being born with an underdeveloped spine as a result of a neural tube defect. These infants, as well as their mothers, tend to have lower levels Selena than in corresponding healthy individuals.

In pregnant women who are not getting enough Selena, more likely to miscarry, and children born to them may suffer from muscle weakness. Several signs of selenium deficiency have been noted in infants who have died from sudden neonatal death syndrome, suggesting a possible preventive role for supplementation of this mineral.

A low-protein diet compromises the body's supply selenium; the same is true of the consumption of large quantities of refined grains, which are completely devoid of the amount of mineral that they might otherwise contain. The use of fish oil and polyunsaturated vegetable oils - sunflower, corn and flaxseed - unfortunately, can increase the body's need for selenium.

In order for the organs and systems of the body to function normally, it is necessary to maintain an optimal balance of vitamins, macro- and microelements. The lack, as well as an excess, of these substances adversely affects the general condition of the body or the work of individual organs. In today's article we will talk about selenium. You will learn how useful selenium is for a woman's body, the dangers of its deficiency and excess, and how to fill the need for this mineral.

Selenium: what does the body need

How useful is selenium? Why does the body need this trace element? Let's consider.

The effect of selenium on the human body is quite multifaceted, namely:

helps to strengthen the immune system;
resists the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
is a component of proteins, enzymes and hormones;
has a beneficial effect on metabolism, allowing the body to better digest food and break down trace elements;
prevents the development of malignant tumors;
improves the functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems, increases stress resistance;
removes salts of heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium);
positively affects male reproductive function;
improves the condition of the skin, nails and hair, gives them strength and elasticity.

The importance of selenium for the female body

What is useful selenium for women? This question is often of interest to the fair sex. In fact, the role of the mineral is difficult to overestimate, because selenium ensures the normal course of all biological and physiological processes.

Its need for the female body is as follows:

accelerates the synthesis of thyroid hormones;
slows down the onset of menopause;
improves the appearance of skin, hair and nails;
prevents the development of gynecological diseases;
increases the chances of conception;
reduces the risk of developing toxicosis;
increases the likelihood of bearing and giving birth to a healthy child;
restores psycho-emotional background during pregnancy;
promotes faster recovery after childbirth;
enhances the protective properties of the body.

Selenium - a mineral of longevity

The antioxidant properties of selenium allow it to have the same positive effect on the body as vitamin E. Both substances are equally important for various physiological processes in the body and can be used interchangeably.

Selenium, being a powerful antioxidant, promotes the oxidation of free radicals, resulting in normal collagen production and the skin remains elastic. That is why selenium is simply irreplaceable for a woman's body.

In addition, the microelement under consideration ensures the integrity of nucleic acids. Thus, the occurrence of gene mutations is prevented, the transmission and storage of hereditary information is ensured.

The consequences of selenium starvation may not be the most pleasant. Against the background of a mineral deficiency, the body begins to age faster, and life expectancy is significantly shortened.

Why is selenium deficiency dangerous?

If selenium does not enter the human body for a long time, this leads to a slowdown in metabolism, the appearance of excess weight, and there is a possibility of developing obesity. The consequence of prolonged selenium deficiency can be diseases such as myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, multiple sclerosis, joint disease, diabetes mellitus. In addition, cancerous tumors often develop against the background of selenium starvation.

Selenium for the body of a woman who is preparing to become a mother plays a very significant role. Selenium deficiency often causes problems with conception and difficult childbirth. During the gestation period, it is important to control the level of selenium in order to avoid placental abruption and premature birth of a child.

Symptoms of selenium starvation

Microelement deficiency develops when it is received in an amount of less than 5 mcg per day. It should be noted that the tendency to develop its deficiency increases with age.

The lack of selenium in the body can be judged by the following signs:

recurring colds;
decreased performance and fatigue;
disorder of the digestive organs (liver, pancreas);
prolonged healing of wounds;
sexual impotence (in men);
premature aging;
deterioration of the skin, hair and nails;
problems from the cardiovascular system;
susceptibility to inflammatory diseases.

Sources of the mineral and features of its absorption

Various substances are involved in the process of selenium metabolism. With the help of this trace element, the biological effectiveness of ascorbic acid and vitamin E is increased. Selenium prevents the premature oxidation of these vitamins, and they, in turn, increase the antioxidant capacity of the mineral.

It should be noted that selenium is not synthesized in the human body. Hence the need arises to obtain it from the outside, that is, with products. Here it is worth clarifying that the body absorbs the plant form of selenium best of all.

A large amount of the trace element is found in seafood: squid, shrimp, crabs, lobsters and seaweed. Selenium is also rich in fish, in particular herring, salmon and tuna. You can make up for the lack of a trace element by including tomatoes, garlic, champignons, porcini mushrooms, legumes, buckwheat and oatmeal in the diet. Meat and offal may also contain selenium if the animal's diet is high in selenium. Nuts are an excellent source of the mineral. The largest stocks are concentrated in Brazil nuts, pistachios and cashews.

It is worth considering that the use of carbohydrates adversely affects the absorption of selenium. Sweets impair absorption and slow down the process of selenium metabolism.

Norm

Since an excess amount of selenium in the body is toxic, its intake should occur within the normal range. The daily intake of selenium for women is 55 micrograms. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the need for a trace element increases, and its daily norm is in the range of 65-200 mcg. The same applies to athletes, smokers and people involved in heavy physical labor. An adult male should receive at least 75 mcg of selenium per day.

The maximum allowable daily dose of selenium in the amount of 400 mcg is considered. Huge doses are prescribed for acute microelement deficiency, while its intake is carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor.

The danger posed by an excess of selenium

An overdose of selenium-containing drugs, as well as chronic poisoning in industrial enterprises, leads to an excess of selenium in the body. The daily intake of a microelement in the amount of 800 mcg, as a rule, is fraught with poisoning.

If selenium is taken in excessive amounts, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, garlicky breath and skin odor, hair loss, and brittle nails are observed. In addition, an excess of a microelement leads to malfunctions in the liver, mental disorders and a decrease in immunity.

Selenium preparations for women

The lack of selenium, as a rule, is observed in those regions in the soil of which the trace element is present in small quantities. In this case, the deficiency can be filled with modern synthetic drugs. Among them, Selen-active has proven itself well. For women, it is good because the trace element is present here in an organic form, that is, more complete and safe. 1 tablet contains the daily dose of selenium. For better assimilation of the mineral, ascorbic acid is included in the composition of the drug in the amount of 50 mcg.

Today, the pharmaceutical market offers many complex preparations containing selenium. The most popular foreign vitamins are Perfectil, Multi-tabs Classic, Vitrum.

Of the domestic preparations, AlfaVit mineral-vitamin complexes deserve attention, which are distinguished by an affordable price, are produced for various age categories and differ in the dosage of selenium. The classic AlfaVit contains 13 vitamins and 10 minerals, including 70 micrograms of selenium.

AlfaVit Mom's Health was created especially for pregnant and lactating women. The preparation contains 13 vitamins and 11 minerals. The amount of selenium is 40 mcg.

Selenium for a woman's body after 50 is also very necessary. The intake of a microelement in the right amount will help delay the onset of old age, improve skin condition, prevent the appearance of wrinkles and the development of serious diseases. For this purpose, the preparation "Alphavit 50+" has been specially developed. It contains 13 vitamins and 9 minerals. The selenium content in this preparation is 70 mcg.

Selenium is a vital trace element for a woman's body. Since it is not synthesized in the body, the daily requirement of the trace element must be replenished with food. With a lack of a mineral, selenium-containing preparations are prescribed. However, it is important to understand that the biologically active form of selenium, as well as the dosage, may differ for different drugs. Therefore, they should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor, and the dosage and duration of therapy should not exceed the established one.

Selenium trace element still causes controversy in science and the press. Although it has been studied for a long time, chemists and biologists still have many questions. Let's call the main ones. What are the benefits and harms of selenium for the body of a woman and a man? What is daily intake of selenium? And finally what dietary supplements with this substance most harmless? After all, health is the most important thing for us. Therefore, with unflagging interest, readers follow publications about everything that in one way or another affects our physical well-being.

(PGUAS)

In science, this is a chemical element of the periodic system of Mendeleev (from the Greek. Selene - Moon). A metalloid capable of replacing sulfur in natural compounds. Before us is a rather complicated element. Until 1957, he was accompanied only by the notoriety of a toxic substance. However, in almost any poison, useful properties are also found over time. It happened in this case too. Considered by us element is part of many functional proteins that are important for human health. These are primarily enzymes involved in protecting the body from reactive oxygen species. Yes, it turns out that it is necessary to protect ourselves from oxygen. Its active forms cause oxidative stress and are very insidious: they can destroy cell membranes, oxidize fats, proteins, DNA, RNA, leading to the development of atherosclerosis, early aging, and even cancer. BUT selenium trace element in this case, it acts as a protector, or rather, an activator (catalyst) of the protective enzymes of the body. There are about 40 diseases associated with a lack of human consumption of selenium, and in the first place are cardiovascular and oncological, these two scourges of modern mankind.

Selenium trace element: consumption in the regions

The main natural reservoir of selenium is the soil, or rather, humus. It is clear that plants extract this microelement from the soil. However, due to a number of reasons: the characteristics of soils, their pollution with heavy metals, the loss of humus due to soil erosion, agricultural plants and, first of all, wheat, from which bread is produced, accumulate little selenium. Therefore, today selenium intake residents of most regions of Russia, including Penza region - 50-80 mcg per day. And there are regions where the trace element selenium is used in even smaller quantities: the Chita region, Buryatia, Khabarovsk Territory. Not enough, less than 50 mcg/day selenium is consumed in the Kostroma, Kirov regions, Udmurtia. In general, according to the Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, in Russia, at least 80% of the population has less than optimal selenium supply.

Daily intake of selenium

What are daily intake of selenium? The World Health Organization believes that a woman needs 55 micrograms of selenium per day, a man - 70 micrograms, and children - 1 microgram per 1 kg of weight. At the same time, it must be remembered that a microgram is a thousand times less than a milligram - the traditional value of vitamin doses (1 g is 1000 mg, and 1 mg is 1000 mcg). However, due to various kinds of stress, unfavorable environmental conditions, increased physical activity among athletes, the body begins to use this substance more intensively, and, therefore, require replenishment of its reserves. So, for example, according to recent studies, effective protection, for example, against various forms of cancer can only be provided by increasing selenium intake to 150-300 mcg per day.

Today, there are many biologically active food supplements containing selenium is a trace element. We have already said that this is a complex substance, and the most difficult is the choice of the form of the selenium carrier in them. It must be said that the question of the ideal form of the selenium carrier has not yet been resolved.

Dietary supplements with selenium

Badov with this component a lot today. In biologically active additives (BAA) and in a number of mineral-vitamin complexes, the form of a first-generation selenium carrier is used - inorganic selenium compounds - salts (sodium selenite - Na 2 SeO 3 and sodium selenate Na 2 SeO 4). These are such dietary supplements as "Neoselen Plus", "Selmevit". Also, inorganic selenium compounds are widely used in infant formulas. What should be considered when using preparations based on inorganic selenium salts. Due to their high toxicity and ability to excite the intestinal microflora, they should only be taken under the supervision of a physician, and only in the event of an acute selenium deficiency. Particularly debatable is their widespread use in infant formulas, as a source of selenium, primarily because of the low compatibility with other components of the mixture and, first of all, with antioxidant vitamins, because. selenium salts have oxidizing properties.

next, second generation dietary supplement containing this substance are additives obtained by the method of biotransformation i.e. the same selenium salts are added to nutrient media for growing algae (eg spirulina) and yeast. These are such dietary supplements as "Spirulina VEL + Selenium", dietary supplements "Selenium Alga Plus", "NUTRICON Selenium".

Algae and yeast, using inorganic trace element selenium, transform it into selenium amino acids, peptides, proteins and other organic compounds. Yes, organic selenium compounds, as a rule, are less toxic and lack the above disadvantages. It seemed that the issue with the ideal form of selenium was resolved. But, as always, the devil is in the details: the amount of transformed selenium depends very much on cultivation conditions and even on the phases of the moon. That is, we are dealing with a product that is not strictly identified, and therefore such preparations are difficult to standardize. The whole question is, in what form is this trace element in them and how much inorganic selenium has undergone transformation? Manufacturers on this occasion keep a proud silence. And of course, it is necessary to resolve the issue with the cell walls of yeast and algae, which can impede the absorption of selenium and cause allergic reactions, so their autolysates and hydrolysates are used.

But scientists did not stop there and received third generation drugs, which are used as sources of selenium. These are selenium-containing xenobiotics (from the Greek Ξένος - alien and βίος - life) - a conditional category of substances that are not included in the natural, biotic cycle of substances. These substances do not exist in nature, they are synthesized by man in the laboratory and are used to correct selenium deficiency. Abroad, the drug Ebselen has been studied in detail and used. The Russian school turned out to be more advanced in this direction: a number of preparations based on selenopyran (Selenaktiv, Selen Forte with C), diacetophenonyl selenide (DAFS-25, Selenobel) have been synthesized and used.

The founder and inspirer of this direction was the Penza scientist, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor Blinohvatov Alexander Fedorovich. Under his leadership, a whole scientific school for the study of selenium was created, the student of this school is the author of this article.

The undoubted advantages of third-generation drugs include their low toxicity, and selenopyran also has antioxidant properties. The disadvantages are the poorly studied metabolism and biotransformation in biological media, the need for their long-term use to correct selenium deficiency.

To the fourth generation individual selenium-containing amino acids can be attributed: selenomethionine and selenocysteine (oxidized form of selenocystin). The requirements for this generation are very strict - during chemical synthesis and purification, only one optical isomer, L, should remain, since the other isomer, D, is practically not absorbed by the human body and can be toxic (optical isomers in chemistry, like left and right gloves or hands - they are similar, but completely different).

Selenomethionine

Selenomethionine - a natural amino acid that plants, yeast, algae contain. It is not synthesized by the organism of animals and humans and comes only with food. Chemically synthesized selenomethionine typically contains both the L and D isomers. Dietary supplements based on selenomethionine are produced only abroad. These are such dietary supplements as Iodoselenium, Selenium. Interestingly, the body of animals and humans "mistakes" in relation to selenomethionine, mistaking it for another amino acid containing sulfur - methionine, and embeds it indiscriminately into proteins. Therefore, for the rapid elimination of selenium deficiency, selenomethionine is not suitable.

To the disadvantages of selenomethion can be attributed to the high cost of chemical synthesis and high toxicity, comparable to inorganic compounds of selenium.

The author of this article also tried to contribute to the solution of the selenium problem, having spent almost 10 years of his life within the walls of the Penza State University of Architecture and Construction. As a carrier of selenium, we synthesized the 21st proteinogenic (participating in the synthesis of proteins - selenoproteins) amino acid - L-selenocysteine, or rather its more air-stable form - L-selenocystin, and together with PFC "Parapharm" we study its biological properties. Only this amino acid is a part of 25 human selenoproteins and is necessary for the manifestation of the activity of all known selenium-dependent enzymes, including the most important ones involved in antioxidant protection. Interestingly, in the cell, L-selenocystin is converted into L-selenocysteine, the most powerful antioxidant known. The safety of selenocysteine / selenocystin is evidenced by the fact that it is the main source of selenium in breast milk. And toxicity studies have shown that selenocystin is 12-15 times less toxic than selenomethionine, sodium selenite and, in addition, has antitumor activity. But selenocystin, unfortunately, is not yet included in the forms of selenium allowed for the production of dietary supplements. We are currently working on this together with PFC Parapharm.

Do I need to take selenium trace element?

What advice would you give to a reader concerned about their health? Should this element be accepted? The ideal option is to find out the concentration of selenium in the blood serum. Such analyzes are carried out, for example, by the ANO Center for Biotic Medicine, Dr. A.V. Skalny in Moscow. The optimal level of selenium in human blood is considered to be 115-120 mcg/L. In most regions of Russia, including the Penza region, the selenium content does not exceed 62-71% of the optimal level.

What to do when lack
selenium in the body? Selenium trace element:
natural sources of matter

If you are faced with the choice of which dietary supplement to buy to correct lack of selenium in the body, – choose an organic form. The most toxic among selenium derivatives is sodium selenite. Main natural sources of selenium - these are products of processing of grain crops, fish, liver, kidneys, meat. Among the natural accumulators of selenium, forest mushrooms can be named, which cope with this duty 100-600 times better than meadow grasses and cereals: chanterelles, butterflies, mushrooms, boletus, boletus, but most of all selenium is contained in the king of mushrooms - white fungus. The form of preparation should also be noted: the least selenium is lost during cold processing of mushrooms. Probably not by chance, in Rus', the cold salting of mushrooms or their drying has always been popular. The recipes of our ancestors are still relevant today, as they bring health.

Of the plants growing in the country, garlic can be attributed to selenium concentrators. However, it is valuable for us not only as a source of trace elements, but as a product containing a unique derivative of selenium, which has a pronounced antitumor effect. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and perennial onions, although in smaller quantities, also contain this component.

We hope that the readers have learned something new about such a multifaceted element as selenium and that this knowledge will help preserve the most important thing for us - our health.

When it comes to minerals necessary for the body in general and the female body in particular, we usually first of all remember calcium, which is necessary “for bones”. If the list needs to be continued, many will probably remember magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium and zinc, although not everyone can list the functions of these substances. We know even less about why a woman needs selenium. Meanwhile, the wrong dosage of this little-known (relative to others) substance can cause serious health problems in the fair sex.

Selenium

(lat. selenium) is a chemical element included, along with oxygen, sulfur, polonium and tellurium, in the 16th group of the fourth period of the periodic system of D. I. Mendeleev. In its pure form, it is a black vitreous substance of a fragile structure; non-metal, soluble in water.

The discovery of selenium belongs to the Swedish chemist Jöns Jakob Berzelius. In 1817, while working on the synthesis of sulfuric acid, he discovered in it a strange reddish-brown precipitate smelling of radish. This substance was initially taken by the scientist for tellurium, discovered back in 1782, but a detailed study revealed that it was a completely new, hitherto unknown chemical element.

Did you know? Interestingly, it is due to the similarity with tellurium that selenium got its name. The fact is that the word "tellurium" is derived from the Latin "tellus", which means "Earth". By this analogy, the satellite of Tellurium was named after the Moon (selenus, Greek σελήνη).

Selenium is a very toxic substance, but, as is often the case in nature, it is present in microscopic doses in some proteins. There is it in the human body: mainly in the liver, heart, kidneys, spleen. In men, this microelement is also present in the testicles, spermatic cords and the sperm itself.

The value in the body of a woman and its benefits

Perhaps the most important thing to know about selenium is its role in protecting our body from free radicals, aggressive molecules that result from an incomplete cycle of redox reactions and destroy cellular structures, causing not only premature aging , but also a whole "bouquet" of very dangerous diseases. Suffice it to say that according to the World Health Organization, at least 60% of deaths on Earth come from diseases that are caused precisely by the negative effects of free radicals.
The mechanism of "internal" defense against the attacks of these dangerous killers is known as "antioxidant defense". It is in its construction that selenium is of great importance, or rather, glutathione peroxidases containing it - unique enzymes that bind the most destructive types of free radicals. In total, there are more than two hundred enzymes in the human body, which include selenium. Therefore, it will not be an exaggeration to say that this microelement affects the work of almost all organs and systems.

In particular, the "lunar" element is necessary for:

energy metabolism (it is directly involved in the formation of adenosine triphosphate, which is a universal source of energy for all biological systems);
increase the activity of stem cells (prevention of premature aging);
improving metabolism;
increasing activity, improving sleep, raising muscle tone, overcoming the consequences of emotional overload and stress;
strengthening the heart and blood vessels;
normalization of the thyroid gland;
improve the condition of nails, hair, skin, joints and spine;
regeneration of liver and pancreas cells;
prevention of the formation of atypical cells;
prevention of diabetes, bronchial asthma, allergies, arthritis and colitis;
protecting the body from the effects of negative environmental factors - emissions of industrial waste, exhaust gases, tobacco smoke, cadmium vapor, mercury, lead;
blocking various inflammatory processes, protection against bacteria, viruses and fungal infections (in particular, the microelement prevents the reproduction of mold fungi);
boosting immunity.

For reference: the policy of the Finnish government, aimed at introducing an additional dose of selenium into the diet of citizens, led to an amazing result: the number of thyroid pathologies and oncological diseases among the population decreased by about 1.8 times, and problems with the heart and blood vessels decreased by 2, 5 times, while they began to occur in people 7-10 years later! A 70% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease due to the addition of selenium to the diet was also recorded by scientists from Denmark.

All the properties of the "lunar" element mentioned above are equally relevant for both men and women. But selenium has features that make it especially important and valuable for the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity. And the point here is not only the preservation of youth, beautiful skin and strong hair (which, of course, is also important). The effect of the substance in question on the woman's body is additionally manifested in the normalization of the work of specific sex hormones, which, in particular, provides:

proper metabolism (prevention of obesity);
unhindered conception (prevention of infertility);
prevention of serious pathologies of the female genital organs, including uterine fibroids, as well as various inflammatory processes in it;
later withering of the woman (menopause).

Is it useful

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the "moon" element in the diet of a woman acquires a special role, which is worth dwelling on in a little more detail.

During pregnancy

The expectant mother needs to take care of getting the necessary dose of the "lunar" element, since it contributes to:

easy pregnancy (in particular, it prevents the occurrence of toxicosis, prevents exhaustion and weakening of a woman during this period, reduces the risk of miscarriage);
protection of the mother's body from external and internal threats;
fast recovery after childbirth.

This microelement is also necessary for the proper development of the fetus.

With lactation

During breastfeeding, the occurrence of selenium deficiency occurs especially often. At the same time, given that the body of a woman after childbirth is most at risk of being affected by all sorts of infections, and the exacerbation of diseases of internal organs at this time occurs all the time, and many drugs are incompatible with lactation, it is very important to mobilize and use your own protective functions to the fullest. . As we have already mentioned, far from the last role in the formation of immunity and the construction of antioxidant protection belongs to the mineral in question.

Daily intake: how to take selenium

The opinion of scientists regarding the daily intake of selenium is not unambiguous. Some call numbers from 70 to 100 micrograms, others talk about 80-200 micrograms. So, for example, in the United States of America, the norm of selenium consumption is 55 mg of a substance per day per adult, regardless of gender, but in the UK, men are recommended to receive 75 micrograms of this element per day, women - 60 micrograms. In the Russian Federation, the daily norm of the "lunar" element also depends on gender: for women it is 55 micrograms, for men - 75 micrograms. It is enough for children under 18 years of age to receive 10-50 micrograms of this substance per day, depending on age. Some sources indicate the recommended dose at the rate of 1 μg of the element per 1 kg of weight, others provide more detailed tables, for example:

up to six months - 10 mcg;
from six months to a year - 15 mcg;
from one to six years - 20 mcg;
from six to ten years - 30 mcg;
from ten to fourteen years - 45 mcg;
from fourteen years to adulthood - 50 mcg.

Nevertheless, there are situations when the required amount of the "lunar" element can increase significantly. First of all, we are talking about situations when the body, for one reason or another, experiences serious stress, for example, it tries to fight a dangerous disease. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in a woman's body increases significantly, which also causes an increased need for selenium.

Do not forget that a large number of useful trace elements accumulate in the placenta to ensure the full development of the fetus. Thus, when consuming a mineral, a woman should do it, as the famous song says, "for herself and for that guy." During this period, as well as during breastfeeding, it is recommended to receive 200 micrograms of selenium per day (by the way, athletes and smokers should be guided by the same volumes).

Important! Until recently, the maximum allowable dose of selenium per day was considered to be a threshold of 500 mcg (in especially severe cases it was even increased to 1 mg), but now they prefer to focus on small doses, making up for the deficit by increasing the duration of the course. The maximum dose per day should not exceed 400 mcg.

Speaking about the benefits of selenium, one should never forget about its high toxicity. Despite all of the above, as a self-treatment (in the form of food supplements and vitamin complexes), it is allowed to take no more than 50 micrograms of a substance per day, because we get a certain amount of this element as part of food. A pregnant woman and a nursing mother should generally refrain from amateur activities and conduct "selenotherapy" solely on the recommendation of the attending physician and under his direct supervision.

Where is selenium found

There are several different types of selenium:

Natural (organic): present in plant and animal products, the most common forms are selenmethionine and selencysteine.
Mineral (inorganic): contained in some medical preparations, such as, for example, "Neoselen".
Artificial (organic): obtained by combining an element with an artificial protein, forms the basis of another category of drugs (for example, "Selenium-active").
Yeast: special yeast forms are added to the mineral selenium dissolved in water, which partly (by 20-30%) convert the “dangerous” inorganic element into a “safe” organic one. It is used in the production of various biologically active additives.

Source products

The most desirable form of replenishment of the "lunar" element in the body is the use of products containing this mineral. We have already mentioned that selenium is found in both plant and animal foods.

Important! Selenium contained in plants is absorbed by our body almost completely (up to 98%). From animal products, we are able to take only a third of the mineral contained in them, but even this figure looks quite decent, given that inorganic selenium is absorbed by no more than 10%!

Among herbal products that are natural sources of selenium, it is worth highlighting:

cereals (especially);
legumes;
cabbage;
herb oregano;
, including yeast (this category is conditionally assigned to plant products; according to the generally accepted classification, fungi do not belong to either plants or animals).

From animal products, selenium can be found:

in and seafood ( , );
offal (especially in the liver);
(especially veal) and fat;
and, including butter;

For example - in order to get the daily intake of selenium, it is enough to eat:

200 g;
200 g (boiled);
50 g;
3 large cloves of garlic;
100 g;
a glass of fresh homemade .

The most valuable natural source of selenium is also mineral water extracted in the Caucasus.

Important! Any processing of the product, even not associated with heating (for example, drying or freezing), greatly reduces the content of selenium in it, therefore, to replenish the reserves of this microelement, it is best to consume foods containing it raw (of course, if possible).

It must be said that the amount of selenium in certain natural sources can vary greatly depending on the geography of growth (residence) of a particular plant or animal. The more this mineral is contained in the soil, the more it enters the surrounding organic matter (in Russia, unfortunately, there is very little selenium in the soil, which explains the often occurring deficiency of the "lunar" mineral in the body of people living here).

A valuable element is washed out of the soil by various chemical fertilizers and heavy metals. As a result of the death under the influence of these harmful substances of microorganisms contained in the soil, processing selenium into its organic forms, the digestibility of this element, even if it is present in the soil, is sharply reduced.

Medical preparations

The pharmaceutical industry has developed more than a hundred different preparations containing selenium. Above, we have already mentioned two of them - "Neoselen" and "Selenium-active". This microelement is also very often included in the composition of multivitamin preparations (including complexes for nursing mothers), as well as dietary supplements (BAA).

Did you know? There is a completely unique case in its curiosity and at the same time tragedy associated with the production of selenium-containing drugs, which is often cited as an example by ardent opponents of dietary supplements. One American company mistakenly "fortified" its products with 100mg of selenium instead of the allowed 100mcg. Exceeding the daily dose by a thousand times, of course, caused a series of most serious poisonings.

Indeed, the replenishment of selenium reserves at the expense of medical preparations should be taken with all seriousness. On the one hand, the so-called "mild deficiency" of this element is observed in most people who live far from the sea and receive selenium exclusively from food. For this reason, as a preventive measure, it is recommended to take preparations containing this supplement at least once a year for a course of two to three months.
On the other hand, an overdose of selenium can cause serious poisoning, so it is best to consult a doctor before taking this or that drug and do the appropriate tests. It is strictly contraindicated for children to take such medicines without a direct prescription!

Features of the use of pharmaceutical products for pregnant and lactating women

In addition to the fact that it is categorically unacceptable for a pregnant woman to independently prescribe certain drugs for herself (vitamins and trace elements are not at all an exception, since their overdose is sometimes no less dangerous than a deficiency), one must also pay attention to the form in which it is presented. selenium in one form or another.

So, for example, artificial organic selenium (for example, the drug "Selenium-active") during pregnancy and lactation is contraindicated. Interestingly, in the instructions for the mentioned drug, pregnancy and lactation are indicated only as a reason to consult a doctor, which once again indicates that the desire to sell your product is often stronger than moral principles.
Yeast selenium is less dangerous, but this form contains live fungi, which is fraught with the development of dysbacteriosis. During pregnancy and lactation, such a side effect is highly undesirable, since against the background of such an imbalance, a favorable environment can be created for the active development of certain pathogens present in the woman’s body and for the time being not causing her any harm (say, the same candida that causes thrush ).

The mineral form of selenium is often used to compensate for its deficiency in pregnant women and nursing mothers. However, if the above-mentioned "Neoselen" can be used for this purpose, then such an analogue as "Selenase" is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Is there a shortage or oversupply?

Of course, both are possible. But if selenium deficiency usually occurs due to the fact that it is difficult to get a sufficient amount of this trace element from food, then an overabundance is always associated with the illiterate and irresponsible intake of various medications and dietary supplements.

About shortage

The good news is that critical selenium deficiency is not that common. But there is also a bad one: every day we lose about 20-30% of the required dose of this trace element. Wrong diet, bad habits (smoking), stress and bad environment - all these are the reasons that cause a "soft deficit".

Important! The Russian Academy of Medical Sciences conducted studies showing that only 20% of Russian citizens do not have a lack of selenium. In this regard, since 1994, a program has been launched at the government level to compensate for the deficiency of this microelement among the population of the country.

Lack of selenium can lead to a wide variety of disorders, including:

to development;
increased risk of oncology;
deterioration of the pancreas and thyroid glands;
hormonal disorders;
weakening ;
deterioration;
increase in blood levels;
premature aging.

Such serious consequences occur if, instead of the prescribed 50-70 micrograms, a person receives no more than 5 micrograms of a microelement per day. With a less pronounced deficiency, fatigue, drowsiness, weakness, and muscle pain may simply appear. With the right approach, selenium deficiency in the body can be replenished within a month, while the achieved effect will last another 2-3 months.

About overdose

An overdose of selenium can cause serious poisoning. Its first symptoms are:

severe weakness;
yellow skin color;
headaches and dizziness;
feeling of pain in the eyes;
nausea and vomiting;
diarrhea;
coughing;
garlic breath (sweat, urine, skin have a similar aroma).

In more severe cases, there may be convulsions, an enlarged liver and spleen, hair loss, brittle nails.

Important! Serious selenium poisoning primarily affects the nervous system. In addition, the liver, heart and blood vessels can suffer. It is also important to know that this poison is able to cross the placenta, which can lead to dangerous pathologies and even death of the fetus.

Despite the fact that such severe consequences occur mainly with chemical poisoning, and not with the usual overdose, the use of dosage forms of selenium should still be treated with extreme caution.

Compatibility in the female body

As you know, for the normal functioning of our body, a huge amount of various vitamins and minerals is needed. Some of them we get from the outside, others are synthesized directly in our organs and tissues. However, not everyone knows that the interaction of certain substances with each other can, in some cases, enhance, and in others, on the contrary, weaken the effect of each of them. A classic example of "compatibility" is calcium, and: two chemical elements work together to provide water-salt metabolism, and vitamin D acts as a regulator of this process.

Selenium also has its “partners” and “opponents”. So, for optimal absorption of this trace element, it is important that the body has enough vitamin E, but the beneficial properties of the latter are greatly enhanced when interacting with selenium. Therefore, in food supplements and vitamin complexes, these substances are usually present simultaneously.
Selenium also combines well with vitamins A and C. But easily digestible carbohydrates in foods, on the contrary, interfere with the absorption of selenium. From this it follows that in order to compensate for the lack of this trace element, one should not eat broccoli or nuts with buns. In addition, selenium is recommended to be taken separately from zinc, since these minerals are "competitors".

No less useful elements for a woman

Concluding the laudatory ode to selenium, in order to restore justice, I would like to say a few words about other vitamins and minerals that play an important role in the life of the fair sex.

Calcium

For a woman, this is a guarantee of healthy teeth, strong bones, beautiful nails, strong muscles and good blood. During pregnancy, the need for this element increases three to four times, since it provides the laying of the skeleton in the baby. Nature arranged it so that in case of insufficient intake of calcium with food to meet the needs of the fetus, the body begins to take this element from the mother's bones. Calcium deficiency threatens not only with frequent fractures, exfoliating nails and tooth decay, but also with problems with the heart, stomach and genitourinary system.

Vitamin C

We will not talk about the role in the body: the antioxidant, bactericidal and immunomodulatory properties of ascorbic acid are known to everyone. We only note that during pregnancy, vitamin C is necessary to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and prevent uterine bleeding, as well as to prevent anemia (returning to the question of the compatibility of vitamins and minerals, let's say that ascorbic acid increases the absorption of iron, another important chemical element for the female body ).

Silicon

An important role in the formation of bone and connective tissue has such a mineral as. If a pregnant woman is deficient in this element, it is even possible to stop the development of the fetus. In addition, silicon is involved in metabolic processes, strengthens blood vessels, improves immunity and, along with selenium, has strong antioxidant properties.

Everyone knows that it has a calming effect on the nervous system. But this element performs many other functions in the female body. It is involved in the process of thermoregulation, normalizes blood pressure and heart rhythms, promotes the elimination of toxins and "bad" cholesterol, prevents the development of allergic reactions, stimulates the immune system and protects against radiation. Magnesium deficiency provokes nervous stress, the development of cardiovascular diseases, and leads to convulsions.

Important! It turns out that in regions where drinking water contains a high percentage of magnesium (the so-called "hard water"), people are much less likely to die from heart-related diseases.

Magnesium deficiency is very common among women taking oral contraceptives. And during menopause, the deficiency of this element leads to serious destruction of bone tissue and the development of osteoporosis. Summing up, once again we note the most important role that such an element as selenium plays in a woman's body. Being inherently the strongest poison, this substance, however, is absolutely necessary for us to ensure the proper functioning of almost all organs and tissues.
It is not always possible to “get” the right amount of selenium from food, but ideally this is still worth striving for. In any case, it is categorically not recommended to start taking selenium-containing drugs (even if they are ordinary complex vitamins or "harmless" dietary supplements) without a direct prescription from a doctor or at least prior consultation with him.

Selenium Description:
Selenium is a chemical element whose significance for the human body was discovered in the 60s of the 20th century. After this discovery, many studies have been carried out confirming the importance of this substance for the preservation and control of various diseases. In its pure form, selenium is poisonous, and in small quantities it is vital for humans. The main part of selenium in the body is concentrated in the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart and male testicles.
Selenium is widely used in medicine for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, including as a strong anticancer agent.

Why does the body need selenium?

Selenium reduces the risk of cancer.

Protects cells from DNA damage, helps normal cell growth, repairs damaged cells.

Participates in the production of thyroid hormones, normalizes the endocrine system.

Helps the pancreas.

Selenium strengthens the human immune system, increases the body's resistance to various infections, viruses and pathogenic bacteria.

Has anti-inflammatory action.

Helps fat-soluble vitamins to be better absorbed.

Selenium protects against diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Maintains good eyesight.

Selenium has a positive effect on the reproductive function of men and women, protects against infertility. Increases sexual activity in men.

In pregnant and lactating women, a sufficient amount of selenium in the body helps protect both the fair sex herself from the development of various diseases, and the child from congenital pathologies and diseases that occur in the first years of life.

Selenium protects the body from premature aging.

Helps to remove heavy metals (lead, mercury, platinum) and toxins from the body. Reduces the toxicity of some drugs.

Improves the condition of the skin and nails.

The daily requirement of the body for selenium:
The body's need for selenium is from 20 to 100 mcg per day. At the same time, both the lack of selenium and its overabundance negatively affect human health.

Interaction of selenium with other substances:
Selenium is better absorbed with a sufficient amount in the human body, these substances enhance the action of each other. But sugar and foods containing it in large quantities (confectionery), on the contrary, prevent the absorption of selenium. Also, some drugs (for example: paracetamol) can reduce the amount of selenium in the body.

Products containing selenium:
Selenium is present in many foods of both plant and animal origin. Sea fish and seafood are a good source of selenium, especially octopus, herring, and. Lots of selenium in sea salt. Also, this substance is found in meat (liver, kidneys, heart), salty,:, wholemeal flour, bran, and cereals,. Selenium is part of, a, yeast, and. It should be borne in mind that when processing products, the amount of selenium in them is significantly reduced. In addition, the amount of selenium in the soil can differ significantly in areas located close to each other and, accordingly, the products grown on them will also have different selenium content.
It is worth noting that infants receive selenium with mother's milk, in which this substance is several times more than in.

Lack of selenium in the body:
Selenium deficiency in the body disarms a person in front of various diseases and can lead to very sad consequences. Weakness, depression, reduced sexual activity or performance, skin, cardiovascular, oncological diseases, visual impairment and many other diseases can be the result of selenium deficiency in the body. Selenium deficiency most often affects the elderly, pregnant women, formula-fed infants (especially boys), residents of regions with unfavorable environmental conditions.
The best way to make up for a selenium deficiency is. The use of selenium supplements is possible only after consulting a doctor.

An excess of selenium in the body:
An excess of selenium in the body is difficult to obtain by eating foods rich in selenium. As a rule, an overabundance is rare and occurs when taking drugs containing selenium. Given that selenium in its pure form is a strong poison, taking dietary supplements and preparations enriched with selenium must be carried out strictly under the supervision of doctors, since a large amount of selenium in the body can lead to poisoning and other serious consequences. Medications containing an increased amount of selenium are prescribed by specialists only for the treatment of specific diseases.