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Selenium is a trace mineral that supports healthy immune system activity, functions as a part of the potent antioxidant glutathione, and is necessary for good thyroid health. This formula uses 100% yeast free SelenoPure™ high selenium for ultimate immune support, and is chelated to ensure rapid absorption and better utilization by the body.
Selenium and Glutathione
Selenium is used by our bodies to produce glutathione peroxidase, which is manufactured in the liver and is part of the body's natural antioxidant defense system. It works with vitamin E to protect cell membranes from damage caused by harmful free radicals, and plays a role in the liver to detoxify harmful compounds so they can be removed from the body. Additionally, some glutathione is released into the bloodstream, where it helps to maintain the integrity of red blood cells while protecting immune system white blood cells as part of the body’s defense.
Safety
Because of the risk of toxic levels building up in your system, avoid taking high doses--900 mcg or more at one time, or 600 mcg daily for an extended period of time. Be sure to also take into account the amount of selenium you're getting from foods such as seafood, and whole grains, oats and nuts.
Research shows Selenium Supports Immune Health
Selenium is required for a well-functioning immune system, and in a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,* researchers investigated the effects of selenium and beta-carotene supplementation in patients who were known to have deficiencies of selenium and vitamin A. The researchers evaluated the blood enzymatic antioxidant system, including glutathione and selenium concentrations. The placebo group consisted of 18 patients who received no supplementation, the selenium group was composed of 14 patients receiving oral selenium, and the beta-carotene group comprised 13 patients receiving oral beta-carotene. All groups were studied for 1 year, and results showed glutathione activity increased significantly after selenium treatment between 3 and 6 months compared to placebo. Only a slight increase was found after beta-carotene use. The researchers stated that because glutathione plays an important role in the natural enzymatic defense system in detoxifying hydrogen peroxide in water, selenium supplementation could be of great interest in protecting cells against oxidative stress.
* Delmas-Beauvieux MC, Peuchant E, Couchouron A, et al. “The enzymatic antioxidant system in blood and glutathione status in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients: effects of supplementation with selenium or beta-carotene.” Am J Clin Nutr. 1996 Jul;64(1):101-7.
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