Team Vitamineule
1. How does selenium affect the psyche?
Selenium is an essential trace element present in small amounts in the human body and plays a significant role in health. It is known for its antioxidant properties that protect the body from free radical damage, and it is also important for the immune system and thyroid function. In recent years, research has begun to look more closely at the effects of selenium on the psyche and mental well-being. Selenium is essential for the function of several selenium-dependent enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, which help protect cells from oxidative stress. This protective mechanism is especially important for the brain, which is vulnerable to oxidative damage due to its high oxygen consumption and rich lipid content. Oxidative stress is associated with a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Studies have shown that selenium deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms and mood disorders. For example, one study found that people with lower selenium levels tend to suffer more from depression. One possible mechanism for this could be that selenium affects the synthesis and degradation of neurotransmitters that are important for mood and emotional well-being. In particular, selenium is involved in the regulation of the serotonin system, which plays a key role in controlling mood, anxiety and sleep. In addition, there is evidence that selenium has a neuroprotective effect by reducing inflammatory processes in the brain. Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as an important factor in the development and maintenance of depression and other psychiatric disorders. Selenium, through its anti-inflammatory properties, can help reduce these inflammatory processes and thus reduce the risk of mental disorders. Another interesting aspect is the role of selenium in thyroid function. The thyroid produces hormones that are important for metabolism, energy production and mental health. Selenium is an essential component of the enzymes involved in converting the inactive thyroid hormone T4 into the active hormone T3. A deficiency in selenium can therefore lead to reduced thyroid function, which in turn can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, depression and cognitive impairment. There is also research suggesting that selenium may play a role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of selenium may help prevent neuronal damage and support brain health as we age. Some studies have shown that people with higher selenium levels have a lower risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. In addition to these physiological effects, there are also psychological and behavioral studies that underline the importance of selenium for the psyche. For example, some studies have reported positive effects of selenium supplements on mood and general well-being. People who took additional selenium supplements reported improvements in their mood, reduced anxiety, and increased quality of life. However, it is important to note that the dosage and duration of supplementation must be carefully monitored, as both a deficiency and an excess of selenium can be detrimental to health. Overall, research to date suggests that selenium plays an important role in mental health and emotional well-being. Through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, selenium may help protect the brain from damage and reduce the risk of mental disorders. However, more research is needed to fully understand the exact mechanisms and optimal selenium levels for mental health. It is advisable to consume a balanced diet with sufficient selenium to reap the potential benefits of this important trace element.
2. What is the daily requirement of selenium?
Selenium is a chemical element with the symbol Se and atomic number 34. It belongs to the chalcogen group and is located between sulfur and tellurium on the periodic table. Selenium has several remarkable properties that make it useful in various applications, from electronics to glassmaking to medicine and nutrition. Physically, selenium has several allotropic forms, including amorphous and crystalline selenium. Amorphous selenium is a black powder, while crystalline selenium comes in gray and red forms. Gray selenium is the most thermodynamically stable and most abundant allotrope at room temperature. It has a metallic luster and a hexagonal crystal structure. Red selenium, on the other hand, is made up of ring-shaped molecules and has a less dense, monoclinic structure. One of the most outstanding physical properties of selenium is its photoconductivity. This means that its electrical conductivity increases when exposed to light. This property makes selenium particularly useful in electronics, specifically in photocells and light detectors. It is also used in xerography, a printing process based on the photoconductive nature of selenium. Chemically, selenium is quite reactive and can assume various oxidation states, including -2, +4, and +6. In its compounds, it is similar to sulfur and tellurium, but differs in some reactions. Selenium readily forms selenides, selenates, and selenites. In aqueous solutions, it forms hydrogen selenide (H₂Se), a strong-smelling, poisonous gas analogous to hydrogen sulfide. Biologically, selenium is an essential trace element for many organisms, including humans. It is a component of enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, which plays a key role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. Selenium is also important for thyroid function, as it is involved in the conversion of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) into the more active form triiodothyronine (T3). Selenium deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, including weakened immune systems, cardiovascular disease, and increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Selenium has a wide range of industrial uses. In glassmaking, it is used to prevent discoloration and to defrost glass. Selenium compounds are also used in the manufacture of pigments and dyes, particularly in red and orange tones. Due to its semiconducting properties, selenium is used in the electronics industry for rectifiers and solar cells. It also has applications in metallurgy, where it helps improve the machinability of stainless steel and other alloys. Safety considerations when handling selenium should not be neglected. While elemental selenium and some of its compounds are relatively low in toxicity, others, such as hydrogen selenide, can be extremely toxic. High concentrations of selenium in the environment, mostly caused by industrial emissions, can also be toxic and have harmful effects on plants, animals, and humans. In the diet, selenium is often obtained by eating selenium-rich foods such as Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, and grains. It is also included in some dietary supplements used to prevent selenium deficiency. The recommended daily intake of selenium varies according to age, gender, and health status, but generally ranges from 55 to 70 micrograms for adults. In summary, selenium is a versatile and important element with numerous physical, chemical, and biological properties. It plays an essential role in industry and biology, with its unique properties being exploited in many technological and medical applications. Despite its usefulness, handling selenium requires caution to minimize potential health and environmental risks.
3. What are the properties of selenium?
Selenium is a chemical element with the symbol Se and atomic number 34. It belongs to the chalcogen group in the periodic table and shares some properties with sulfur and tellurium. Selenium occurs in several allotropic forms, including amorphous selenium, gray (metallic) selenium, and red selenium. These different forms have different physical and chemical properties. Amorphous selenium is a black, glass-like powder that easily changes into other modifications when heated. Gray selenium, the most stable form, has a metallic structure and is a semiconductor. Red selenium consists of various modifications with ring-shaped molecules, mostly consisting of eight selenium atoms. Selenium has high photoconductivity, meaning that its electrical conductivity increases greatly when exposed to light. This property makes it useful in the photocell and semiconductor industries, particularly in photocopiers and solar cells. Chemically, selenium is quite versatile. It can exist in different oxidation states: -2, 0, +2, +4, and +6. This versatility allows the formation of a wide variety of compounds, including selenides, selenates, and selenites. Selenium behaves similarly to sulfur and can act as a substitute for sulfur in many chemical reactions. Biologically, selenium is an essential trace element for many organisms, including humans. It is a component of selenoproteins, which perform important antioxidant functions and help protect cells from oxidative stress. Selenium is also involved in the regulation of thyroid function, as it is a component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides. Human selenium requirements are relatively low, but deficiency can have serious health consequences, including Keshan disease, a form of cardiomyopathy, and Kashin-Beck disease, a form of osteoarthropathy. However, an excess of selenium can be toxic and lead to selenosis, which manifests itself through symptoms such as hair loss, skin lesions, and neurological disorders. In industry, selenium is used in several applications. It is used to decolorize glass by neutralizing iron impurities that give the glass a green color. Selenium is also used in alloys to improve their machinability and in the electronics industry as a photoconductor and in semiconductor applications. In summary, selenium is a versatile element with a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological properties. It plays an important role in technology and is essential to human health, with both deficiency and excess having serious consequences.
4. Selenium in the form of dietary supplements
Selenium should normally be absorbed by the body on a daily basis. The best way to do this is, of course, through a healthy and balanced diet. However, many people find it very difficult to cover their entire vitamin requirement. In this case, selenium supplements should be taken to avoid a selenium deficiency. Selenium is available commercially in the form of dietary supplements. It is available in the form of selenium capsules and selenium tablets. Both forms are easy to use and quickly enter the bloodstream. However, selenium tablets are sold in pharmacies, which in many cases are made with artificial additives or abroad. Selenium capsules often contain only the active ingredient in a plant cellulose shell and can therefore be produced without fillers. Selenium capsules or selenium tablets should be taken with sufficient liquid (for example water or juice). It does not matter whether selenium is taken before or after eating. However, if you have a sensitive stomach and cannot take selenium tablets or capsules on an empty stomach, you should eat something beforehand and then take the dietary supplements. In general, you should always make sure that the product was produced in Germany in order to ensure a consistently high quality of the preparation. If you buy a preparation from Germany, you can be sure that the product was also produced safely and is of high quality.
Our recommendation:
Vitamineule® Selenium Capsules
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5. Conclusion: How does selenium affect the psyche?
Selenium is an essential trace element that plays an important role in brain health and mental function. Studies have shown that selenium has antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative damage in the brain and thus prevent neurodegenerative diseases. Adequate selenium status can improve mood and reduce the risk of depression. In addition, selenium supports thyroid function, which also has an impact on mental health. Conclusion: Selenium is crucial for maintaining mental health. It protects the brain from oxidative stress, boosts mood and supports thyroid function. Therefore, it is worth ensuring adequate selenium intake to promote long-term mental and neurological health.