2023-09-01 00:00:51
Title: The Crucial Element: Selenium’s Role and Symptoms of Excess
Date: [Insert Date]
Selenium, an essential trace element, plays a vital role in the human body, mainly stored in the muscles. Discovered by Swedish chemist Jakob Berzelius in 1818 and named after the Greek moon goddess Selene, selenium’s properties and functions have been progressively unraveled by scientists in the fields of industry and medicine.
As an essential component of various enzymes, selenium serves multiple functions in the body. It aids in protecting against pollutants, aids in sperm production, and activates thyroid hormones.
With a balanced diet, an adult consumes around 70 micrograms of selenium per day. Organic sources such as meat, fish, and cereals provide approximately 90 percent of selenium intake, which is absorbed through the intestinal mucosa. Inorganic selenium is less efficiently absorbed. The body typically circulates around 13 to 20 milligrams of selenium in individuals with a normal selenium status, with the muscles serving as the primary storage site for the trace element.
Certain individuals are at risk of selenium deficiency, including vegetarians, individuals with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, those receiving artificial feeding via tube, individuals who have undergone stomach reduction surgery, and dialysis patients. Additionally, certain medications like valproic acid (an antiepileptic drug) and cisplatin (a cancer drug) may reduce selenium levels.
Selenium deficiency can lead to various symptoms, including brittle hair and nails, muscle weakness, increased susceptibility to infections, and exacerbation of iodine deficiency, thereby impairing thyroid function. In regions with low selenium levels, such as certain parts of East Asia, there are rare diseases associated with chronic selenium deficiency, such as Keshan disease (a heart muscle disease) and Kaschin-Beck disease (a deficiency-related underdevelopment of bones and joints in children). Extensive scientific studies are being conducted to understand the link between selenium and these diseases. However, there is currently no recommendation for basic selenium supplementation, as research results on the preventive effects of selenium in conditions like cancer, thyroid diseases, and cardiovascular disorders have been inconsistent. In fact, some studies have even suggested an increased risk of diabetes with high selenium intake.
To prevent selenium deficiency, a wholesome diet usually fulfills the daily selenium requirement of 60 micrograms for women and 70 micrograms for men. However, for individuals who need additional selenium intake, it is essential to carefully consider the selenium content in dietary supplements. Seeking advice from doctors and pharmacists is recommended.
Caution is necessary to avoid selenium overdoses, as excessive intake can lead to selenosis. Hair and nail changes, gastrointestinal complaints, neurological changes, and in severe cases, heart attacks and kidney failure are potential symptoms. Interestingly, a characteristic symptom of selenium excess is the presence of garlic breath.
In conclusion, selenium, despite being required in tiny amounts, is indispensable for the human body. Its functions include protecting against pollutants, aiding in sperm production, and activating thyroid hormones. While a balanced diet usually provides sufficient selenium intake, certain individuals may be at risk of deficiency and should consider supplementation. However, it is important to be cautious of excessive selenium intake to avoid selenosis and its associated symptoms.]
#Important #heart #hair