Selenium - Effect, Food & Nutritional Supplements

Die Wirkung von Selen

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In order for your body to function optimally, it depends on a sufficient supply of nutrients. For this it needs not only vitamins and minerals, but above all essential trace elements like selenium. This is one of the elements that our body cannot produce itself, so it depends on a balanced diet. Here you can find out which essential tasks selenium is responsible for and why you should always pay attention to a supply of high-quality selenium.

1. the positive effect of selenium in the body

Selenium is an essential trace element that occurs in all body cells and is vital for the human organism. It performs a variety of tasks in the body, such as protecting the cells from oxidative damage. These include environmental and radiation exposure. Selenium is important for the formation of sperm and thus for male fertility. The mineral regulates the thyroid hormone balance and thus contributes to optimal function of the thyroid gland. to the thyroid gland. Selenium is known for its preventive effect against many types of cancer, it reduces the risk of developing prostate, lung and colon cancer. The trace element supports the immune system and reduces inflammatory processes.

2. the effect of selenium on the thyroid gland

Besides the brain, the thyroid gland is the most selenium-rich organ in the human body. Besides iodine, it needs a great deal of the mineral selenium in order to be able to fulfil all functions. A sufficient supply of selenium is the decisive factor in Factor for the optimal function of the thyroid gland. A lack of selenium can lead to disorders of the thyroid metabolism and increase susceptibility to thyroid disease. The thyroid hormones are involved in numerous metabolic processes are involved, which influence the fat, sugar and protein metabolism as well as areas of the energy balance. In addition, the thyroid hormone T3 (triiodothyronine) increases the heart rate and blood pressure, strengthens bone substance and promotes the growth of Hair and nails. It is also responsible for regulating the heat balance. Triiodothyronine promotes hormone release in other organs, such as the kidneys and pancreas. Especially in children the thyroid hormone T3 is very important because it is essential for brain development and growth. Antioxidant enzymes, which are found in high quantities in the thyroid gland, protect the tissue from damage caused by free radicals.

3. development of a selenium deficiency

If too little selenium is supplied to the body in the long term, a selenium deficiency can occur. As a result, the body no longer has an adequate supply of selenium. Selenium deficiency is often caused by an insufficient or eating habits. In addition, chronic digestive disorders (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) can impair the selenium supply. Diseases such as cystic fibrosis or renal insufficiency can also lead to the fact that the absorbed selenium cannot be properly utilized. Elderly people, alcoholics and people suffering from bulimia are particularly at risk. Vegetarians and vegans are on average less well supplied with selenium than people who use animal products.

4. consequences and symptoms of selenium deficiency

A deficiency of the trace element can lead to numerous deficiency symptoms:

  • Hair loss
  • Liver disorders
  • Increased fatigue
  • flaky and pale skin
  • muscle weakness, joint problems
  • Nail changes
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Increased susceptibility to infection
  • Impaired fertility in men

5. foods with high selenium content

A high proportion of selenium is found mainly in solid food, while only very small amounts are found in drinking water. The mineral is found in both animal and vegetable foods. The selenium content can be vary greatly. It is true: protein-rich foods such as meat and fish contain more selenium than vegetable foods.

Selenium content in µg / 100g:

  • Brazil nuts approx. 250 µg
  • Lenses approx. 45 µg
  • Rice approx. 4 µg
  • Mushrooms approx. 3 µg
  • Banana approx. 2 µg
  • wholemeal rye bread approx. 1.5 µg
  • White cabbage approx. 1 µg
  • Potatoes approx. 0,5 µg
  • poultry meat approx. 20 µg
  • beef approx. 35 µg

6. cover selenium requirements with selenium capsules or selenium tablets

If you are not able to cover your daily selenium requirements or if you are on a vegetarian / vegan diet, you can take selenium tablets or selenium capsules. Selenium tablets are often sold in pharmacies or drugstores. These have, however, in many cases been produced with artificial additives or in other European countries. Selenium capsules, on the other hand, contain only the active ingredient sodium selenite pentahydrate in a vegetable cellulose shell and can be produced without fillers. It is also important that the preparation is manufactured in Germany to ensure a consistently high preparation quality.


Vitamineule® Selenium Capsules

In our online shop you will find our selenium capsules without artificial additives. Each capsule contains 200µg pure selenium from sodium selenitpentahydrate.

Each can contains 90 capsules. Besides fast & free shipping, we offer a voluntary six month return guarantee for all products.

7. the correct dosage of selenium

The selenium requirement increases with age. In general, according to the German Nutrition Society (DGE), the daily selenium requirement should be between approx. 60µg (for women) and 70µg (for men). Older people have an increased need for selenium People, pregnant women, nursing mothers, cancer patients or people with a weakened immune system. In the case of selenium, an undersupply can be just as dangerous as an oversupply, but do not exceed the recommended dosage, the intake of food supplements is very sensible.

8. test selenium levels

If you want to know the range of your selenium level, you should have it checked by your family doctor. Your doctor can then determine whether there is a lack of selenium. The gluthation peroxidase level in the blood, because if it is below 30 E/g Hgb, there is a deficiency. The selenium reference value is the plasma selenium level, the normal values are 80 - 150 µg/l.

9. conclusion

Selenium is a vital mineral that performs a variety of tasks in the human organism. Selenium regulates the thyroid hormone balance, is important for sperm production and protects the cells from oxidative Damage. Since the body cannot produce selenium itself, you should always make sure to eat selenium-rich foods. If there has been a selenium deficiency for a long time, it can be remedied with a dietary supplement. Selenium tablets or selenium capsules without additives are particularly suitable for this.

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