SELENIUM AND AGING

                                         SELENIUM AND AGING

 

 

    The body needs selenium, an essential trace mineral, for a variety of processes. Selenium may have anti-aging benefits and may offer protection from age-related diseases, according to recent studies.

Because selenium is a trace mineral, the body only needs very little amounts of it. It can be found as a dietary supplement in addition to being naturally contained in a variety of foods.

 Though the thyroid has the highest concentration of selenium in the body, the majority of it is kept in muscle tissue.

The metabolism of thyroid hormones, DNA synthesis, and reproduction all depend on selenium-containing enzymes and proteins, or selenoproteins.

 Additionally, selenoproteins function as potent antioxidants that help guard the body against harmful free radicals.

Benefits of selenium against aging

In addition to immune system alterations, metabolic imbalance, molecular damage, and increased susceptibility to illness and environmental stressors, biological aging is a complex process.

Selenium can prevent age-related health problems like cancers, cardiovascular disease, and neuropsychiatric disorders, according to a 2018 analysis. Additionally, some scientists think selenium helps lessen aging-related chronic inflammation.

Many of the health advantages of selenium are thought to be predominantly due to selenoproteins, according to some studies.

For instance, a 2021 study discovered that selenoproteins play a crucial part in managing and getting rid of the misfolded proteins that build up as we age. According to experts, the buildup of misfolded proteins is a prevalent feature of aging and age-related disorders, such as type 2 diabetes.

The selenium-dependent antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and thioredoxin reductase are thought to be stimulated by selenium to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) oxidative damage (TDR). TDR is found in the plasma membrane of keratinocytes in the epidermis. This might be able to prevent UV-induced skin aging.

 

A more recent study from 2020 discovered that longer telomeres are related to higher dietary intakes of selenium. According to this study, people over the age of 45 had 0.42% longer telomere length for every 20 microgram increase in dietary selenium.

 

Our chromosomes' "protective caps," known as telomeres, are situated on the ends and influence how quickly cells deteriorate. Telomere length is regarded by some scientists as a useful aging biomarker.

Additionally, scientists think that selenium intake is related to longevity. Older persons with low selenium levels had a greater all-cause mortality rate than elderly people with high selenium levels.

 

For instance, compared to other older people, centenarians frequently appear to have higher systemic levels of selenium and iron while having lower amounts of copper.

 

It is significant to highlight that the results are still inconclusive and that further study on the subject is required. According to some research, including the one mentioned above, low levels of selenium may even increase longevity.

Added health advantages

 Additionally, selenium might be crucial in preventing some age-related illnesses.

Cancer

Since selenium can shield cells from harmful substances, there is speculation that it may help prevent cancer. There is no conclusive evidence to support the idea that selenium from diet or supplementation prevents cancer in people, according to a 2018 assessment of 83 studies.

 In fact, several studies indicate that selenium supplementation may raise the risk of type 2 diabetes and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Heart condition

According to one meta-analysis, coronary heart disease is more likely to affect persons with lower selenium levels. Selenium, on the other hand, had no statistically significant effects on both fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, according to a review of trials that only employed selenium supplementation as the primary method of heart disease prevention.

 There is not enough data to support the routine use of selenium supplements, especially in people who currently acquire enough through food to avoid heart disease, despite some encouraging research.

 

 

Thyroid condition

Selenium is essential for thyroid health. According to several research, having adequate selenium levels can guard against thyroid disorders and maintain general health.

To learn whether selenium supplements can treat or prevent thyroid disease, more research is required, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Mental deterioration

Selenium deficiency or borderline serum concentrations may be linked to age-related impairments in brain function since serum selenium levels diminish with aging. Experts speculate that the antioxidant properties of selenium may be to blame.

 If selenium supplementation can assist treat or prevent age-related cognitive impairment in older persons, more investigation is still required.

 

Should I use a supplement with selenium?

Overall, the evidence on selenium supplementation and its impact on aging is still ambiguous.

 The majority of studies point to selenium supplementation having anti-aging characteristics and avoiding disorders associated with aging, according to the 2018 review mentioned above. However, more research is required to define its function.

There isn't any conclusive proof yet that selenium supplementation helps someone who isn't at risk for deficiency.

 Due to the selenium-rich soil that is present throughout North America, selenium deficiencies are uncommon in the United States.

 Nevertheless, some populations are susceptible to selenium deficiency, including:

 -Individuals with HIV

-Persons who need hemodialysis due to renal failure

-Persons who reside in areas with low levels of selenium, such as various nations in Europe, Russia, and China.

-People who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet and reside in low-selenium locations are at even greater danger.

 Lack of selenium can make cells less able to divide and develop, which speeds up cellular aging. Additionally, it can cause color loss, cataract development, and a delay in the healing of wounds.

Sources Selenium in food

The average adult need 55 mcg of selenium daily. However, pregnant women should take 60 mcg. Selenium needs to be increased to 70 mcg during lactation.

 Since selenium is not produced by the human body, it must be consumed in adequate amounts in the diet to have a positive impact on overall health.

 Fortunately, selenium may be found in a wide range of foods that are simple to include in a person's diet.

 Since selenium is a component of soil, the amount of selenium in food depends on the amount of selenium in the soil where the food was grown.

 Among the foods that have the most selenium in the diet include organ meats, Brazil nuts, and shellfish. One ounce of Brazil nuts, for instance, has 544 mcg.

Other good dietary sources of selenium include:

 

Chicken

Beef

Turkey

Fortified cereals

Mushrooms

Banana

Spinach

Milk and Yogurt

Fish

Boiled eggs

Whole wheat bread

Beans.

 

 

Potential dangers

A person may experience negative health effects if they continuously consume more selenium than the recommended daily allowance of 400 mcg through food or supplements.

 

An overabundance of selenium can cause a metallic taste in the mouth and a garlic-like odour on the breath.

 

Additional indications of a chronically high selenium consumption include:

Skin blemishes

Nausea

Diarrhea

 Discolored teeth

Fatigue

Irritation.

Hair and nail brittleness or loss

Mega-doses of selenium can cause acute selenium toxicity, which can cause severe neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, kidney failure, heart failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and, in the worst cases, death.

In conclusion

Selenium is a crucial mineral that the body needs for a variety of vital processes. Limited research has also suggested that it might have a number of health advantages.

Selenoproteins are potent antioxidants that can aid in preventing damage from free radicals, which can cause premature aging and age-related diseases.

There is currently no proof that selenium supplementation can delay or stop aging. Selenium does, however, play a role in scavenging free radicals and lowering inflammation, both of which can hasten aging, thus it is crucial to consume the recommended levels in the diet.

Consult your doctor if you think you may be deficient in selenium or if you're thinking about taking supplements.

*Acknowledgement : pictures/illustrations used from pixabay.com