Women Health. Selenium for a woman's body: role, lack and excess

Selenium and its function in the body

Minerals important for the expectant mother no less than vitamins. They perform many functions in the body, on which the well-being of the woman and the health of the unborn baby depend.

For example, potassium during pregnancy prevents fluid retention in tissues. Against the background of a potassium deficiency, muscle cramps may develop. With an increase in gestation, the load on the heart and blood vessels increases, therefore potassium preparations are necessary for pregnant women as a means of regulating the work of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Zinc during pregnancy is needed to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, as well as to build the immune system of the fetus. With a deficiency of this element, the doctor may recommend the drug Zincteral, the tablets of which contain 124 g of zinc sulfate, which allows you to cover the daily requirements for the substance.

Silicon maintains the elasticity of blood vessels, promotes the absorption of calcium. Disorders of metabolic processes in the body of the expectant mother are associated with silicon deficiency.

The need for selenium for pregnant women has been discussed not so long ago. In the body, it plays the role of a strong antioxidant. Its ability to fight free radicals has made selenium an important factor in preventing miscarriage. Without selenium, iodine and tocopherol are poorly absorbed, many important enzymes are not synthesized.

Selenium Requirements During Pregnancy

The antioxidant properties of selenium are manifested in the fact that this substance protects the epithelial, connective tissues of the body from destruction by free radicals. A lack of selenium can prevent a woman from getting pregnant. On early dates gestation, a lack of selenium provokes premature rupture of the amniotic membranes. In the future, its lack can cause a delay intrauterine development fetus and premature birth... In the 3rd trimester, selenium deficiency is a significant risk factor for the development of preeclampsia.

Daily Selenium Norms for Pregnant Women

Observations show that the concentration of selenium in the blood of expectant mothers in the 1st trimester is about 70 μg / l, and by the third this indicator decreases to about 50 μg / l. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor its blood level and, if necessary, maintain pharmaceutical preparations, avoiding an overabundance. The daily intake of selenium for a pregnant woman is 65 mcg. In the 1st trimester, it is desirable to raise the level of the substance in the blood to 109 μg / L, in the 2nd - this indicator should be equal to about 103 μg / L, and in the 3rd - 100 μg / L.

Deficiency manifestation and its consequences

You can talk about a lack of selenium if you are often worried colds and pustular rashes on the skin, even small wounds or cuts slowly heal, visual acuity has deteriorated.

When there is little selenium in the body of the expectant mother, her baby may underdevelop the spine and brain, and the risk of heart defects increases. After birth, the child will have a nervous and mental disorder, intellectual development.

For a pregnant woman, a lack of selenium threatens with edema, late toxicosis, anemia, and an increased risk of miscarriage. Against the background of selenium deficiency, there is a weak generic activity, vascular hypertension develops.

Selenium-rich foods

Most selenium can be found in yolks chicken eggs: 100g of product will provide half the daily value of this element

Foods Containing Selenium (μg / 100g):

Dairy products	Cereals, legumes	Seeds, nuts	Vegetables fruits
Cottage cheese	30	Chickpea	28	Sunflower seed	53	Garlic	14
Parmesan cheese	22	Beans	24	Pistachios	19	Broccoli	2,5
Chees Feta	15	Millet	19	Peanut	7	Banana	1,5
Cheddar cheese	14	Rice	15	Walnut	5	Spinach	1
Kefir	2	Buckwheat	8	Almond	3	Watercress	0,9
Yogurt	2	Peas	3	Pine nuts	0,7	Cilantro	0,9

Wheat and oat bran and whole grain bread can be a good source of selenium.

Selenium-containing preparations

Most selenium multivitamins that your doctor may recommend expectant mother contain vitamins A, E, and C. They enhance the activity of the main substance.

Some vitamin complexes with selenium:

How long to take a multivitamin with selenium is determined by your doctor.

Women, while waiting for a child, need to compose their diet so that at least 65 micrograms of selenium per day enter the body. However, studies show that in most countries of the world this figure is lower, sometimes by half. Approximately 80% of expectant mothers experience a lack of selenium in the body. Therefore, when planning pregnancy and expecting a baby, you need to take additional selenium.

Special contraindications there is no selenium to take, with the exception of individual intolerance. However, doctors do not recommend that pregnant women drink bioactive supplements with this element to avoid the risk of taking too much.

Precautions and consequences of oversupply

When used in the total more than 1 mg of selenium per day there is a risk of an excess of the substance. This happens with uncontrolled reception. bioactive additives on the background good nutrition and a diet rich in selenium foods. An overabundance of selenium is manifested by a garlic odor coming from the mouth. Nausea and vomiting may occur, skin rash.

The consequence of an excess amount of selenium taken can be nervous disorders, the accumulation of carcinogenic compounds in the body, which are dangerous for both the woman and her unborn baby.

Doctors warn women that low levels of selenium in the blood at the end of the 1st trimester increases the risk of rupture of the amniotic membrane and miscarriage.

At 33-36 weeks of gestation, a lack of selenium is the reason for the rapid increase blood pressure that carries a risk to the life of the expectant mother and her child.

Minimize the likelihood dangerous complications you can take a vitamin-mineral complex with selenium. But the composition of this complex must be well balanced so as not to exceed the permissible daily dose.

For more information on micronutrients required by a pregnant woman, see the video below.

With a fast flow modern life It is increasingly difficult for people to maintain the correct balance of vitamins, trace elements and minerals in the body. As a result, you need to be able to make up the correct daily diet and eat a variety of foods, without giving preference to any specific foods, otherwise you can get big problems with health. For a woman's body, selenium is an essential mineral to maintain health and beauty.

Characteristics of a trace element

Selenium is considered a trace element of longevity, which is due to its unusual properties... In the periodic table of Mendeleev is under serial number 34, in the sixth column. It is a black non-metal that, under normal conditions, does not react with oxygen, water or acids. In laboratories during chemical reactions dissolves in nitric acid (concentrated), as well as in alkaline solutions (when interacting with them, it is oxidized).

The mineral tends to actively migrate in the biosphere. In the human body it accumulates from thermal water, volcanic smoke and limestone rocks... That is why, in places of ancient or modern volcanism, the soil is most enriched with this mineral. Products grown on such soil will contain selenium necessary for humans, the benefits of which have been proven by more than one study.

Why selenium is considered a mineral of longevity

The antioxidant properties of the mineral in terms of their effect on the body are similar to vitamin E, it is thanks to this that these substances can replace each other in various physiological processes in the body.

The antioxidant effect is manifested by the neutralization of free radicals that disrupt recovery processes. Selenium is able to oxidize to maintain healthy skin and normal collagen production for firmness. As a result, selenium is a necessary trace element for a woman's body.

In addition, it affects the integrity of nucleic acids, ensuring the absence of gene mutations, storage and transmission of hereditary information. In no case should you arrange selenium starvation for the body, as this can be fraught with rapid biological aging of the body, as well as a reduction in life expectancy.

Selenium: what does the body need this trace element for?

In the human body, selenium is concentrated in certain places (pancreas, bone marrow, lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, legs and hair). The peculiarities of its location also imply the principles of the effect of the microelement on the body:

• provides increased immunity;
• prevents development cardiovascular disease;
• is a part of hormones, proteins and enzymes;
• has a normalizing effect on metabolic processes, allowing the body to quickly and easily cope with the digestion of food and the breakdown of trace elements;
• helps to prevent the development of malignant tumors in the body;
• normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, increasing stress resistance;
• reduces the content of toxic substances in the body (such as mercury, silver, lead and others);
• normalizes work endocrine system;
• regulates reproductive function in men, due to the fact that it is included in the chemical;
• affects the condition of the skin, hair and nails, making them strong, elastic and healthy.

Selenium for a woman's body is necessary for the normal course of all physiological and biological processes in the body.

Why is selenium starvation dangerous?

In the case when selenium does not enter the body for a long time, it slows down, appears overweight and the likelihood of developing obesity. In addition, with long selenium starvation, you may encounter:

• myocardial infarction;
• cardiac ischemia;
• cancerous tumors;
• rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis;
• multiple sclerosis;
• bronchial asthma.

For an adult, it is necessary to receive a daily intake of selenium, equal to 1 μg / 1 kg of body weight. Pregnant and lactating women, athletes, smokers and people involved in hard physical labor need to consume more selenium. The benefits of this microelement for the body are irreplaceable.

Selenium deficiency and overdose symptoms

With a lack of selenium in the body, chronic fatigue develops, a person quickly gets tired, feels weak, visual acuity is lost, irritations, dermatitis, eczema appear on the skin, muscle soreness is felt, blood is found elevated level cholesterol. These are only a small part of the symptoms, the rest can be detected only during laboratory tests.

When the body receives an excessive dose of a trace element, a garlic taste is felt in the mouth, attacks of nausea, psychoemotional disorders may occur. This condition occurs when the daily norm is exceeded (approximately more than 5 mg).

Selenium for a woman's body: contraindications and benefits

The powerful antioxidant selenium allows you to maintain the elasticity of the skin for a longer time, this effect is especially well manifested in conjunction with the intake of vitamin E, which helps the longevity microelement to be absorbed faster. The mineral selenium is essential for the body to maintain healthy hair by accelerating its natural growth. In the presence of dandruff, the microelement included in the composition will effectively neutralize this problem.

The benefits of selenium for the body of women are invaluable in the process of losing weight. Its property to accelerate metabolism has a positive effect on the rate of breakdown of stored fats, as a result of which a complete diet in combination with physical exercise will give faster results. The only contraindication to admission is an excessive dose of a trace element.

The effect of selenium on physiological processes

For a woman's body, selenium is a fundamental mineral that ensures the maintenance of natural attractiveness and beauty. During pregnancy, when a woman has a very unstable emotional background, selenium will normalize the condition and provide the developing baby with all the necessary trace elements and minerals.

Due to its beneficial effects, selenium reduces the possibility of developing pathologies in the fetus, spontaneous miscarriage or fetal freezing.

Women who consume this trace element in sufficient quantities are less susceptible to viral and infectious diseases, since selenium increases the body's defenses, which is very important during the period of gestation and breastfeeding.

Why selenium balance in the body is important

For supporting good health and well-being, it is necessary to strictly observe the balance of this microelement in the body. Selenium, the harm to the body of which can manifest itself both from an overabundance and from a lack of the mineral, it is important to use in limited quantities, which will not exceed the permissible daily dose. But at the same time, the trace element should be enough for the course of important physiological and metabolic processes.

It should also be borne in mind that intake and smoking significantly deplete selenium reserves in the body. Therefore, you need to include in your diet as much fresh fruits and vegetables as possible without subjecting them to processing. Only in this case, the body will receive the required amount of the mineral and function correctly.

What foods contain selenium

Having dealt with the question of why selenium is needed in a woman's body, one should determine from which food products it can be obtained in the required quantity. Selenium is found in:

• seafood;
• fish;
• meat offal;
• liver;
• cereals;
• eggs;
• mushrooms;
• garlic;
• sunflower seeds;
• almonds;
• vegetables and fruits.

By consuming these foods on a regular basis, you can easily maintain the ideal balance of trace elements and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the body. It is important to note that after heat treatment, the amount of trace elements in the product is reduced by half. Therefore, it is better to consume most of the foods in fresh, which will maximize the use of selenium for the woman's body. Reviews of synthetic micronutrient supplements suggest that these drugs do not have the proper benefit for humans, and in some cases may even worsen the condition.

Effects of selenium on cardiovascular disease

The lack of selenium in the body is one of the main reasons why a person develops susceptibility to. Scientists have found that people who eat a sufficient amount of this trace element are 70% less likely to get heart disease. In particular, selenium ensures the elimination of toxic substances (mercury, lead), the accumulation of which leads to blockage of the coronary vessels.

By maintaining the correct balance of selenium in the body, you can be confident in your health. Knowing how selenium is good for the body, you can skillfully regulate your condition by consuming the right dose of the mineral and consuming it from natural unprocessed foods.

Effects of selenium on the thyroid gland

Selenium tends to produce glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that stimulates the production of thyroid hormone, which normalizes the endocrine system, maintaining metabolism at the desired level and preventing the development of obesity.

In addition, glutathione peroxidase also has an anti-inflammatory effect. For this reason, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, colitis, asthma and psoriasis, selenium should be present in sufficient quantities in the diet. The properties of this microelement for the body have strong impact and in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Effects of selenium on cancerous tumors

This issue is very controversial and is still actively studied by all luminaries. modern medicine... At Dr. Atkins' clinic, selenium supplementation is a top priority in cancer prevention or therapy. However, his opinion that selenium-based supplements can reduce the incidence of cancer by 40% is not supported by most doctors and scientists, since selenium can be toxic to the human body.

In German laboratories, doctors concluded that selenium is highly toxic, the additives of which, on the contrary, negatively affect human health. To renew the immune system and prevent mutation processes in cells that can cause development cancerous tumors, it is necessary to use products containing natural selenium in their composition. The benefits and harms for the body of this mineral will in any case still long time studied by leading experts.

To maintain your health, you need to get a trace element with water and food, but you must definitely stop taking supplements and vitamins based on selenium, since an excess of it can lead to negative consequences.

How does selenium interact with vitamins

It is not difficult to understand why the body needs this mineral, but vitamins, in particular E and C, play an important role in the assimilation of a microelement by the body. When interacting with them, the antioxidant effect of selenium is manifested most fully, and, accordingly, the fight against aging and other problems is manifested effectively.

The correct balance of trace elements and vitamins makes it possible to resist age-related changes vision (in particular, prevents the development of cataracts), improves the condition of cardio-vascular system(protects against stroke and heart attack, arthritis and various vascular damage). That is why it is important to maintain selenium at a certain level.

Useful properties for the body, renewing and supporting the immune system, allow you to resist dangerous diseases (AIDS, cancer, heart disease), so you need to carefully monitor your diet in order to be able to correct it in time and fill the body with the necessary microelements and vitamins.

Selenium is of particular importance for women's health; along with zinc, iodine, selenium determines fertility (fertility). All the main and multifaceted effects of selenium: antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress and fertility-increasing action are due to the fact that numerous intracellular enzymes are dependent on.

For many years it was considered a poison. He really is poison! But only in certain doses: a little more is harmful, a little less is also bad. And these "slightly" are so negligible! For health, you need to get only 0.00001 g.

In 1933, it was noticed that wheat from fields rich in this mineral has a poisonous effect on livestock. Selena began to be feared as a poison. And suddenly, in the 60s, there was an enthusiastic boom about this trace element. "Without there is no health!", " Selenium and vitamin E heals the heart! "," Selenium prolongs youth! "," Selenium will rid us of cancer! " The discovery as a factor in health was a watershed moment in medicine.

Currently decrypted major metabolic pathways in organism. Its main biological role is its participation in the synthesis and activity of antioxidant enzymes.

Selenium mechanism of action at the level of the upper limit of the physiological norm of consumption, as well as in the pharmacological range of doses (150-300 μg), it is associated with the stimulating effect of excess selenium on the activity of thyroid hormones. Such dosages are especially relevant for women susceptible to viral infection and HIV-infected pregnant women.

Extremely important selenium deficiency link with viral infections in pregnant women. Selenium deficiency increases the virulence of influenza, Coxsackie, human papillomavirus, AIDS virus, enteroviruses, etc. With the combined deficiency of selenium and iodine, you also associate the epidemic spread of HIV in the countries of Central Africa. It is even assumed that it was the deficiency in food of this type that at one time contributed to the transition of the monkey immunodeficiency virus through the "species barrier" with the formation of one form of the human immunodeficiency virus.

Among the most important selenium proteins selenoprotein P, which is synthesized especially large quantities on the surface of the endothelium of the brain and plays an anti-ischemic and anti-stress role in the mechanisms of metabolism and work nervous tissue... Biological function selenoprotein P, according to modern concepts, is, firstly, to protect the body from the effects of peroxides (oxidative stress). Secondly, this protein acts as an agent that helps to neutralize the toxic effects of heavy metals.

Selenoprotein W protein ensures optimal exchange in muscle tissue, and, accordingly, her work.

Iodithirinine-5'deiodinase(liver, kidneys) is involved in the activation and biotransformation of thyroid hormones.

The main biological roles of this selenium-containing enzyme are:

• maintaining homeostasis (constancy) in the cell;
• participation in DNA synthesis;
• participation in the regeneration (restoration) of the active form of vitamin C.

Participation in many organic processes (multifunctionality) indicates its important biological significance in pregnant women and the fetus.

Numerous studies have confirmed the role of selenium-containing enzymes-proteins in processes of regulation of intracellular signal transmission, starting the process of destruction of cells, which, according to some signs, must be removed from the organ, which thereby determines the participation of these enzymes in the mechanism of the antitumor action of selenium.

Without normal level Selena egg development is impossible... Selenium, along with cobalt and magnesium, is a factor that counteracts the violation of the chromosomal apparatus.

Selenium stimulates immunity; is an antioxidant, possesses protective effect on cytoplasmic membranes, preventing their damage and genetic disorders.

Also for the normal functioning of thyroid cells some enzymes containing selenium are extremely important. Selenium plays a special role in neurochemical processes: regulates antioxidant processes in the central nervous system; enhances the brain-specific effects of iodine in the process of organ formation during intrauterine development (cretinism in newborns - a consequence of the combined deficiency of selenium and iodine) participates in photochemical reactions of light perception. Besides selenium prevents neurodegenerative brain damage with Alzheimer's disease, anti-ischemic and angiogenic factor, inhibitory factor in autoimmune processes (neurological disorders with systemic diseases of the connective tissue, multiple sclerosis).

Selenium has antineoplastic functions, inhibiting the process of tumor formation of the nervous tissue. Selenium - antagonist of neurotoxic metals and arsenic.

When exposed to an increased background of ionizing radiation and chronic intoxication with compounds of arsenic, mercury and cadmium, selenium deficiency may develop due to a sharp decrease in its content. In these cases, the possibility is admissible long-term intake(up to 6-12 months) with these categories of patients with supplements (especially organic) in a high dose (up to 400 μg / day); however, this therapy is given either before pregnancy or after childbirth.

It has a protective effect against spermatozoa and provides them with mobility. Antagonism with heavy metals, radioprotection, protection when smoking.

Clinical effects of selenium

The antioxidant properties of selenium determine the prospects for the use of trace element preparations in oxidative stress, inflammatory and infectious lesions, cardiac, and a number of oncological diseases, psoriasis, burn treatment, radiation protection.

Deficiency is usually endemic, sometimes developing with intestinal diseases due to impaired absorption of the element. One of the reasons for the lack of selenium is a poor and monotonous diet, the lack of seafood in the diet.

Deficiency can lead to a violation of cellular integrity, a change in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, the activity of the main intracellular enzymes, an increase in the toxic effect of heavy metals, an increase in the concentration of free radicals in plasma and tissues.

Selenium affects reproductive health both men and women, The use of selenium-containing preparations can significantly increase fertility in women. With the simultaneous restoration of selenium and zinc levels, fertility rates are further improved. In men, selenium-containing proteins are concentrated in the epithelium of the prostate and sperm heads. This is associated with increased sperm motility and a protective effect against the prostate when prescribing selenium-containing drugs.

Clinical symptoms and pathological conditions with selenium deficiency:

• decreased anti-infectious immunity;
• increased propensity to inflammatory diseases;
• cardiomyopathy;
• hypothyroidism;
• diseases of the skin, hair and nails;
• atherosclerosis;
• dysfunction of the liver (decrease in protein-synthesizing and detoxification functions);
• cataract;
• reproductive failure (with a selenium deficiency, the likelihood of male infertility increases);
• pathology of the surfactant system of the lungs;
• rapid aging of the body;
• lag in the development of the placenta;
• low birth weight and growth retardation;
• developmental delay; acceleration of the development of atherosclerosis, ischemic disease hearts;
• increased risk of myocardial infarction;
• radiation, acute radiation sickness.

The most sensitive to deficiency are cardiomyocytes (myocardial cells). Therefore, women with cardiovascular disease ( congenital defects heart, history of myocarditis, etc.) are prepared for pregnancy by special program, including, if necessary, selenium-containing drugs and food. The world famous Keshan disease was first described as sudden cardiomyopathy and death of young women in the first weeks and months after childbirth and in children during the growth spurt (6-8 years) against the background of chronic nutritional deficiency. It is known that smoking factor in women is associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases and selenium deficiency in blood plasma. The relationship between selenium deficiency and the incidence of sudden "lullaby" death in children has been noted. These babies were born to mothers who had low selenium levels during pregnancy or conceived a child with critically low selenium stores.

With a deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman, the absorption of fats is impaired, there is a lack of fat-soluble vitamins, for example, vitamin E, and vice versa, with a deficiency of omega-3, phospholipids in the diet, the assimilation of selenium decreases. It has been proven that diabetes mellitus in pregnant women against the background of selenium deficiency develops more often than usual. The most pronounced deficiency in non-insulin-dependent diabetes in women. With selenium deficiency, there is a latent course of immunodeficiency syndrome with fibrocystic mastopathy, papillomatosis, asthenia and psychasthenia, congestive cardiomyopathy.

Several diseases, genetically determined and acquired, are associated with selenium deficiency:

• Kashin-Beck disease (deforming osteoarthritis): osteoarthritis with multiple deformities of the joints, spine and limbs, accompanied by short stature, hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine, shortening of the limbs.
• Keshan disease (myocardiopathy): an increase in the size of the heart with focal necrosis; progressive heart failure; skeletal muscle damage. Children are more likely to get sick, as well as women during pregnancy. The disease is caused by endemic selenium deficiency in geographic areas from northeast to southwest of China; in Yaroslavl, Chita, Udmurt, Trans-Baikal regions.
• Glanzman-Negeli disease (hereditary thrombasthenia). This disease is characterized by hemorrhages in the skin - petechiae; nosebleeds and hemorrhages in the mucous membranes of various organs. The number of platelets remains normal, they themselves are not deformed.

Selenium toxicity

It should be borne in mind that excess selenium is dangerous for humans, and especially for pregnant women. The breakdown of selenium-containing compounds in the human body can lead to the release of a highly toxic compound. Selenium intoxication occurs in women associated with selenium production. These women should be transferred to safe work from the very beginning of pregnancy, and preferably before it occurs (3-6 months). In female workers, the contact path of penetration through the skin and mucous membranes of toxic selenium compounds predominates, contributing to the development of skin cancer. An overabundance of selenium in the body can also occur in workers in the electronic, glass, pharmaceutical, paint and varnish industries, as well as in those who are in direct contact with selenium and living in hyperselenic provinces (Kamchatka, some regions of the Far North). Iatrogenic causes of poisoning have been described - excessive enthusiasm for food additives, the use of several drugs with selenium at the same time, the use of drugs in high doses (more than 200 μg / day) and for a long time.

Clinical symptoms of excess selenium:

• skin lesions (chronic dermatitis, peeling);
• hair damage (loss);
• damage to the nails (delamination of the nail plate);
• damage to the teeth (damage to the enamel);
• arthritis;
• nervous disorders.

At acute poisoning observed following symptoms: Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability, neuropathy, garlic breath or sweat odor, metallic taste in the mouth, rhinitis, hair loss. Prolonged exposure to high doses of selenium (more than 400 mcg / day) is dangerous to increase the risk of melanoma-dependent skin cancer.

Interaction with other elements

The most important ratio of both sulfur, since sulfur and selenium can replace each other and cause an imbalance that has great importance for homeostasis of elements in the body.

Selenium- an antagonist of mercury, cadmium and arsenic, is able to protect the body from these elements and radiation, to a lesser extent - lead and thallium (in the latter case, vitamin E deficiency is of particular importance). With a deficiency of selenium, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, radioisotopes accumulate in the body. In turn, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and radiation exposure aggravate selenium deficiency in the body. Intrauterine mercury intoxication causes damage to selenoproteins in the brain and thyroid gland of the fetus, which may play a role in the development of congenital pathology of the nervous system and hypothyroidism. The appointment of microdoses of selenium eliminates the carcinogenic and genotoxic effect of cadmium, mercury, lead, etc.

Heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, lead, nickel, etc.) can act as selenium antagonists. Selenium plays the role of an antagonist of neurotoxic metals and arsenic, including through the implementation of anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic properties. A normal maternal selenium supply reduces the risk of accumulation of mercury, cadmium and lead in the fetal brain. Retention of zinc by the body with the introduction of selenium compounds doubles. Selenium and copper can reduce toxic effect each other,

For the purposefulness of the pharmacological action, the selectivity of the accumulation is very important. different forms in various organs and tissues. The distribution of selenium is influenced by the monocomponent of the diet and a host of factors. Poor bioavailability is characterized by selenium contained in meat, fish, soybeans, peas. The factors that reduce the bioavailability of selenium include heavy metals cadmium, mercury, arsenic, excess and deficiency of sulfur compounds, and vitamin deficiencies.

It is important to emphasize gender differences in exchange. Women in comparison with men tolerate much worse high doses selenium and selenium toxicosis.

Doses

Average daily requirement: women - 55 mcg / day; pregnant women - 65 mcg / day; / lactating - 75 mcg / day; maximally acceptable level consumption - 200 mcg / day.

How is it supposed to eat modern man so that his body receives the optimal dose?

The most dangerous "enemy" is hydrocarbons. Therefore, an excess of pastries, sweet pies, cakes and cookies, sweet flour products, carbonated drinks can completely or partially destroy. In the presence of hydrocarbons, this trace element is not assimilated.

It is also absent in canned food and concentrates, and in all boiled, refined products it is half as much as in fresh ones.

The milk of a nursing mother contains 2 times more and 5-6 times more vitamin E than cow's milk.

Boys need much more than girls, so if they get cow's milk instead of mother's milk, their body lacks this trace element.

Food rich. It should be noted that the method for determining the content in products is one of the most complex research methods, and therefore, data on its content should be treated with caution.

If there is enough in the soil, then a normal rational nutrition should provide a sufficient amount of it. One of the tastiest and most affordable sources is corn.

Yeast, especially brewer's yeast, is considered the best source of selenium not only because they contain a lot of it, but also because it is in a biologically active form and an easily digestible form. Baker's yeast is also helpful.

There is a lot in sea and rock salt, in kidneys (pork, beef and veal), in the liver and heart, in poultry eggs, in addition, there is also vitamin E in the yolk. Fish, especially herring, crabs, lobsters are not too accessible to everyone. , lobster, shrimp and more affordable squid.

Plant-based products include wheat bran, sprouted wheat grains, corn grains, tomatoes, brewer's yeast, mushrooms and garlic, as well as brown bread and other wholemeal products.

Selenium-active is a biologically active additive (BAA), which contains the microelement selenium and vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

Component properties

- the most important element of the body's antioxidant defense. Vitamins, flavonoids, coenzymes cannot replace selenium. It is part of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that neutralizes the most dangerous and aggressive free radicals, exactly those that other antioxidants cannot cope with. If there is not enough selenium, then this most important link of antioxidant protection simply does not work. Selenium deficiency not only reduces immunity and performance, but also leads to the development of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, accumulation of heavy metals and premature aging, diabetes mellitus and joint diseases, male infertility and birth weakness among women.Danish scientists have shown that selenium prevents the development of heart and artery disease, and its deficiency increases the risk of coronary heart disease by 70%.Selenium protects against poisoning by lead, cadmium, mercury, tobacco smoke and exhaust gases. It prevents the destruction and necrosis of the liver, contributing to the elimination of heavy metals from the body. Allergic diseases and risk of development bronchial asthma are closely related to the exchange of selenium.

In Finland, after the introduction of selenium into the diet of the population, the number of cardiovascular pathologies decreased by 2.5 times, the number of oncological diseases decreased by 1.8 times, and diseases of the endocrine system - by 77%.

According to the Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences and the results of clinical studies, 80% of Russians experience a lack of selenium. In 1994, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation made a decision to eliminate the selenium deficiency among the inhabitants of Russia.

Selenium properties

• Selenium is a part of more than 200 hormones and enzymes in the body, regulating the work of all organs and systems.
• With the participation of selenium, 80% of the energy (ATP) in humans is formed.
• Taking the plant form (selenium-methionine), not only slows down the aging process, but also pushes it back, because the activity of stem cells increases.
• The antioxidant defense process starts
• Is increasing physical activity; cheerfulness appears, headaches, dizziness cease, sleep and mood improve, appetite normalizes.
• Participates in the synthesis of coenzyme Q-10, ensures the youthfulness of the heart, blood vessels, joints, spine; improves the condition of the skin, hair, nails. Normalizes the activity of thyroid hormones.
• It is found in the greatest amount in the tissues of the liver, liver, brain, sperm (part of the male sex hormone testosterone), etc.
• Renders healing effect when included in complex treatment, with cardiopathies of various etiologies, with hepatitis, pancreatitis, diseases of the skin, ear, throat, nose, etc. Its role in the prevention and treatment of malignant neoplasms is well known.
• Is the main component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (glutathione), which protects the body from harmful substances formed during the breakdown of toxins. Selenium is an antagonist of mercury and arsenic, it is able to protect the body from cadmium, lead, thallium.
• Shown in family planning - for both spouses; women during pregnancy and lactation, recovery after childbirth.

Selenium is that trace element, which is not so much needed for the normal functioning of the human body, but even if it is absent for a short time in the diet, it is disturbed critical processes life support.

Selenium has long been considered moonstone, which is extremely toxic to the human body. After the advent of modern methods for determining the smallest concentrations of various chemicals in the human body, scientists have established that without this trace element, human life is at risk.

During pregnancy, the need for selenium, like most other trace elements, increases significantly, since it is necessary not only for the female body for normal life, but also is the guarantor of the physiological well-being of the developing fetus.

Speaking about the biological effects of selenium, first of all, it should be noted that it is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants present in the human body. According to many experts, it is selenium that is a kind of catalyst for other substances with similar activity - copper, zinc, vitamins E, C and A.

It is impossible without biologically significant concentrations of selenium normal work cardiovascular system, stone formation increases in gallbladder and kidneys, develops diabetes... It has been proven that against the background of a prolonged decrease in the intake of selenium in the human body, the body's immune resources are depleted, since the cells of the immune response become extremely sensitive to external and internal negative factors.

Thus, describing the biological effect of selenium, it should be noted that this trace element:

1. Prevents the development of oncopathology, as it prevents the transformation of healthy cells into atypical
2. Provides normal function kidney, liver, heart and pancreas
3. Increases the body's resistance to the effects of viral and bacterial particles
4. In the presence of sufficient concentrations of iodine, normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and thyroid gland
5. Prevents poisoning by carbon monoxide, ethyl alcohol, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead
6. Strengthens the immune system

It is noteworthy that selenium realizes all its effects only if its concentration in the body corresponds to a certain amount.

With the onset of pregnancy, a woman's diet undergoes significant changes, and an increase in the content of products that are a source of selenium is one of them. It is extremely important that the female body receives daily daily rate selenium for all nine months.

Animal products and seafood are considered the best sources many trace elements, including selenium. First of all, these are beef liver and kidneys, egg yolk, milk, lard and meat. Among the seafood for selenium replenishment, it is recommended to choose oysters, mussels, shellfish, salmon, halibut and sea bass.

Cereals, especially sprouted wheat, rye flour and bran, sunflower seeds, oats, barley, and brown rice, are excellent sources of selenium. It is important to note that the selenium content in these products can vary widely, since this indicator is directly related to the saturation of these microelements in the soil on which the cereals grew.

Biologically significant concentrations of selenium are found in vegetable crops such as asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke, onions, cabbage, tomatoes, horseradish, nuts, dill, celery, parsley, garlic, cilantro. Pistachios are considered a tasty source of selenium, but overuse pregnant women can cause allergies as female body and the body of a developing child.

To provide your body with a reliable protector in the face of selenium, it is necessary to minimize the content of refined foods in the diet, to give up carbonated drinks and canned foods.
For a better assimilation of selenium from food, you need a sufficient supply of proteins and fat-soluble vitamins.

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