Selenium for men’s health: an important trace element

Selenium for men’s health: an important trace element

The role of Selena in the body of a man: fundamental aspects

Selenium is a vital trace element that plays a critical role in many physiological processes, especially in men. It is not synthesized in the body and should come with food or additives. Its inclusion in the composition of selenoproteins, a special class of proteins, endows it with powerful antioxidant, immunomodulating and regulatory functions. Selenium deficiency can lead to serious health disorders, while adequate consumption supports the optimal functioning of various body systems.

Selenium and reproductive health of a man: key mechanisms of exposure

The reproductive health of the man directly depends on the adequate level of selenium. He plays a decisive role in several key aspects:

• Spermatogenes: Selenium is necessary for the normal maturation of sperm. It is a structural component of selenoproteins, such as glutathioneperoxidase 4 (GPX4), which protects spermatozoa membranes from oxidative damage. Oxidizing stress caused by free radicals can damage the DNA of sperm, reduce their mobility and fertility. Selenium-dependent antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, providing sperm protection. Studies have shown that selenium deficiency is associated with a deterioration in sperm quality, a decrease in sperm mobility and an increase in the number of sperm with damaged DNA. Selena additives can improve these parameters, especially in men with subsertlinity associated with selenium deficiency. The mechanism of action includes protecting the membranes of sperm from lipid peroxidation, which maintains their integrity and mobility.
• Sperm mobility: Selenium is critical to ensure high mobility of sperm, necessary for the successful fertilization of the egg. Mobility depends on the integrity of the flagella of the sperm and its ability to generate energy. Selenoproteins participate in the energy metabolism of sperm, ensuring sufficient production of ATP necessary for movement. Oxidative stress can damage the structure of the flagellum and reduce its functionality, which leads to a decrease in mobility. The antioxidant properties of selenium protect the flagellum from damage, supporting its normal structure and function. Clinical studies have shown that the addition of selenium can significantly improve sperm mobility in men with asthenozoospermia (reduced mobility of sperm).
• Sperm morphology: Normal morphology of sperm (form and structure) is an important factor for successful fertilization. Anomaloric morphology can make it difficult to penetrate the sperm into the egg. Selenium is involved in maintaining the structural integrity of sperm, ensuring the correct formation of the head, middle part and flagella. It also helps to stabilize sperm DNA, reducing the risk of damage that can lead to anomalies. Selena deficiency can lead to an increase in the number of sperm with abnormal morphology. Selena additives can improve sperm morphology, especially in men with teratozoospermia (increased number of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology).
• Sperm DNA protection: DNA of spermatozoes carries the genetic information necessary for the development of healthy offspring. Denue of sperm DNA can lead to infertility, miscarriages or the development of diseases in offspring. Selenium has powerful antioxidant properties that protect spermatozoa DNA from damage caused by free radicals. It also participates in DNA reparation mechanisms, helping to restore damaged DNA areas. Studies have shown that the addition of selenium can reduce the level of damage to sperm DNA in men with infertility.
• Testosterone: Some studies indicate a possible relationship between selenium level and the level of testosterone, the main male sex hormone. Testosterone plays a key role in the development of male sexual characteristics, maintaining muscle mass, bone density and libido. The disadvantage of selenium can affect the function of Lydig’s cells in the testicles, which are responsible for the production of testosterone. However, additional studies are needed for a complete understanding of selenium effect on testosterone levels.

Selenium and prostate health: prevention and support

The prostate gland plays an important role in the men’s reproductive system, producing a liquid that is part of the sperm. Selenium plays an important role in maintaining the health of the prostate gland and can contribute to the prevention of certain diseases.

• Antioxidant Protection: The prostate gland is exposed to oxidative stress, which can damage cells and contribute to the development of inflammation. Selenium, as a powerful antioxidant, protects the prostate cells from oxidative damage, reducing the risk of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) and benign prostate hyperplasia (DGPZ). It neutralizes free radicals that form as a result of metabolic processes and the effects of external factors, such as environmental pollution and smoking.
• Support for the immune system: Selenium strengthens the immune system, which plays an important role in the fight against infections and inflammation. A healthy immune system helps to prevent the development of chronic prostatitis, which can lead to serious complications. Selenium enhances the activity of immune cells, such as T cells and NK cells (natural killers), which destroy infected cells and prevent the spread of inflammation.
• Prevention of prostate cancer: Some studies have shown that selenium can play a role in the prevention of prostate cancer. The mechanism of action includes antioxidant protection, improvement of DNA reparation and stimulation of apoptosis (programmed death of cells) of cancer cells. However, the research results are ambiguous, and additional studies are needed to confirm this data. It is important to note that selenium additives are not guaranteed prevention of prostate cancer and should be used in combination with other preventive measures, such as healthy nutrition and regular examinations.

Selenium and cardiovascular system: heart and vessel protection

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the main causes of mortality among men. Selenium plays an important role in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system and can help reduce the risk of developing these diseases.

• Antioxidant Protection: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis (the formation of plaques in the arteries), which is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases. Selenium protects the cells of the cardiovascular system from oxidative damage, preventing the formation of plaques and improving the function of blood vessels. It neutralizes free radicals that form as a result of inflammatory processes and the effects of low density cholesterol (LDL).
• Reduced inflammation: Inflammation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Selenium has anti -inflammatory properties that can help reduce the level of inflammation in the vessels and prevent the formation of plaques. It suppresses the production of inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to the development of inflammation in the vascular wall.
• Regulation of blood pressure: Some studies have shown that selenium can help regulate blood pressure. Selena deficiency can lead to an increase in blood pressure, while adequate selenium consumption can help maintain normal blood pressure. The mechanism of action includes an improvement in the function of the endothelium (internal lining of blood vessels), which plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure.

Selenium and immune system: strengthening body protection

The immune system protects the body from infections and diseases. Selenium plays an important role in maintaining the normal function of the immune system and can help strengthen the body’s protection from various threats.

• Strengthening the activity of immune cells: Selenium enhances the activity of immune cells, such as T cells, B-cells and NK cells, which play an important role in the fight against infections and cancer cells. It also contributes to the production of antibodies that neutralize pathogens.
• Regulation of inflammation: Selenium helps regulate inflammation, preventing excessive inflammatory reaction, which can damage tissues and organs. It suppresses the production of pro -inflammatory cytokines and stimulates the production of anti -inflammatory cytokines.
• Antioxidant Protection: Selenium protects immune cells from oxidative damage, which can reduce their functionality. It neutralizes free radicals that form as a result of immune reactions and the effects of external factors.

Sources of Selena in food: how to ensure sufficient receipt

Ensuring sufficient receipt of selenium with food is an important aspect of health maintenance. The richest sources of Selena are:

• Brazilian nuts: Brazilian nuts are one of the richest sources of Selena. Only a few nuts per day can provide a daily need for Selena. However, the selenium content in Brazilian nuts can vary depending on the content of selenium in the soil where they were grown.
• Seafood: Seafood, such as tuna, salmon, shrimp and oysters, are good sources of selenium. The content of selenium in seafood depends on their type and habitat.
• Meat: Meat, especially beef, pork and chicken, also contains selenium. The content of selenium in meat depends on the diet of animal nutrition.
• Eggs: Eggs are a good source of selenium. The content of selenium in eggs depends on the diet of chickens.
• Grain cultures: Grain crops, such as wheat, rice and oats, contain selenium. The content of selenium in grain crops depends on the content of selenium in the soil where they were grown.
• Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds also contain selenium.

Selena deficiency: causes, symptoms and consequences

Selenium deficiency can occur for various reasons, including insufficient consumption of selenium with food, violation of selenium absorption in the intestines and an increased need for Selena.

• Causes of selenium deficiency:
  • Low selenium content in the soil: In some regions of the world, the soil contains little selenium, which leads to a low content of selenium in food products grown in these regions.
  • Inal meals: An unbalanced diet, poor in food, rich selenium, can lead to selenium deficiency.
  • Violation of selenium absorption: Some diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, may disrupt the absorption of selenium in the intestines.
  • Surgical removal of part of the intestine: Surgical removal of part of the intestine can reduce the ability of the body to absorb selenium.
  • Dialysis: Dialysis can lead to selenium loss from the body.
  • HIV infection: HIV infection can increase the body’s need for Selena.
• Symptoms of selenium deficiency:
  • Fatigue: Selena deficiency can lead to fatigue and weakness.
  • Muscle weakness: Selena deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and pain.
  • Reduced immunity: Selena deficiency can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections.
  • Problems with the thyroid gland: Selena deficiency can disrupt the function of the thyroid gland.
  • Heart problems: In severe cases, selenium deficiency can lead to heart problems.
  • Infertility: Selena deficiency can adversely affect the reproductive health of a man.
• The consequences of selenium deficiency:
  • Keshan disease: Keshan disease is cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), which occurs with severe selenium deficiency.
  • Kashin-Bek disease: Kashin-bek disease is osteoarthritis (joint disease), which occurs with selenium deficiency.
  • Enlarged risk of cancer: Selena deficiency can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
  • Reduced fertility: Selena deficiency can reduce fertility in men.

Selena dosage: how to take and avoid overdose properly

The recommended daily dose of selenium for adult men is 55 mcg. The upper permissible limit of selenium consumption is 400 mcg per day.

• Dosage recommendations:
  • Obtaining selenium from food: Most men can get enough selenium from food, using a diverse diet rich in foods containing selenium.
  • Selena supplements: In some cases, it may be necessary to take selenium additives, especially with selenium deficiency or in the presence of diseases that increase the need for selenium. Selena additives should be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor.
  • Selena forms: There are various forms of selenium in additions, such as selenometyin, sodium selenite and sodium selenate. Seleenomeinine is considered a more bioavailable form of selenium.
• Overdose of Selena:
  • Symptoms of selenium overdose: An overdose of selenium can cause the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, fragility of nails, fatigue, irritability and nervous disorders.
  • The consequences of an overdose of selenium: In severe cases, an overdose of selenium can lead to serious complications, such as damage to the liver, kidneys and nervous system.
  • Prevention of selenium overdose: To avoid selenium overdose, it is important not to exceed the recommended daily dose and take selenium supplements only on the recommendation of the doctor.

Selena interaction with other substances: important nuances

Selenium can interact with other substances, which can affect its absorption, efficiency and safety.

• Vitamin E: Vitamin E and selenium have a synergistic effect, enhancing the antioxidant protection of the body. Joint intake of vitamin E and selenium can be useful for protecting cells from oxidative damage.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties and can improve the absorption of selenium in the intestines.
• Zinc: Zinc is important for the normal function of the immune system and can interact with selenium. Zinc deficiency can reduce selenium efficiency.
• Heavy metals: Heavy metals, such as mercury and cadmium, can block the absorption of selenium in the intestines and reduce its effectiveness. The effects of heavy metals should be avoided in order to ensure the adequate intake of selenium into the body.
• Some drugs: Some drugs, such as statins (drugs to reduce cholesterol), can reduce the level of selenium in the body. When taking such drugs, you should consult a doctor regarding the need to take selenium additives.

Selenium and Sports: influence on physical activity and restoration

Selenium plays an important role in maintaining the health of athletes and can affect their physical activity and restoration.

• Antioxidant Protection: Physical activity increases the production of free radicals that can damage muscle cells and slow down the restoration. Selenium, as a powerful antioxidant, protects muscle cells from oxidative damage, improving recovery after training.
• Reduced inflammation: Intensive training can cause inflammation in the muscles and joints. Selenium has anti -inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery.
• Support for the immune system: Intensive training can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections. Selenium strengthens the immune system, protecting athletes from diseases and allowing them to train with maximum return.
• Improving thyroid function: The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating metabolism and energy. Selenium is necessary for the normal function of the thyroid gland, providing a sufficient level of energy for training and recovery.
• Increase in endurance: Some studies have shown that selenium can increase endurance in athletes. The mechanism of action includes improving energy metabolism and protecting muscle cells from damage.

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