Selenium and the Management of Immunological Disorders
Selenium is one of the essential micronutrients that affect various aspects of our health, including immune response and immunological disorders. Selenium is involved in numerous physiological functions and helps in regulating oxidative stress and supporting cellular processes in all cell types and tissues, including those associated with the innate and adaptive immune responses.
A deficiency of selenium is linked to poor immunity and a higher risk of immunological dysfunctions. It may also increase the risk of infections. The use of selenium supplements, on the other hand, may improve immunity and protect the body against infections.
Here is a brief discussion about the role of selenium in the management of immunological disorders, particularly infections.
The Role of Selenium in the Management of Infections and Immunological Disorders
Nutritional antioxidant
A cup of milk provides approximately 8 mcg of selenium, or 11% of your daily needs of this important nutrient.
Selenium is a powerful nutritional antioxidant, which exerts a natural biological effect through its ability to incorporate into selenoproteins.
Considering the critical role of selenoproteins in regulating ROS (reactive oxygen species) and the redox status in all tissues, the use of selenium is considered highly beneficial for influencing inflammation, and immune response in a positive way.
The ability of selenium to inhibit oxidative stress and boost the immune system has been linked to a reduced risk of infections.
Regular use of selenium in the forms of supplements has been found to reduce the risk of repeated infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.
It may also provide protection against a wide range of bacterial and viral infections including influenza and COVID-19.
Molecular Mechanisms of Immunological Disorders
Research studies conducted to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of selenium have revealed interesting results. It has been shown that dietary selenium through its incorporation into the selenoproteins could play an important role in supporting immunity and preventing inflammation.
Adequate levels of Selenium are essential for initiating a strong immune response needed to fight infections and inflammation. This nutrient is also involved in regulating chronic inflammation.
Research studies have shown that a deficiency of selenium may influence the ability of immune cells to attack and destroy microorganisms thereby increasing the risk of bacterial and viral infections including COVID-19.
Selenium deficiency is also recognized in impacting the differentiation, activation, and proliferation of immune cells in a negative manner. This may contribute to oxidative stress, and impair immune functions including calcium flux and protein folding.
Hence, it is important to ensure your body receives an adequate supply of selenium in order to support the functions of the immune cells and protect yourself against infectious disorders.
Preventive Potential
Selenium may reduce the ability of the virus to penetrate healthy cells or enter the cell through the membrane.
Research studies have revealed that a low level of selenium in the body is associated with a higher risk of immunological dysfunctions, which, in turn, can make a person prone to develop diseases linked to inflammation and oxidative stress such as cancer.
Recent clinical research has highlighted the preventive potential of selenium that could be beneficial in reducing the risk of these conditions. Regular use of selenium supplements may regulate the functions of immune cells and improve their ability to fight inflammation, infections, and other disease-causing processes in the body.
It has also been found that some forms of selenium have the ability to induce oxidation of the thiol groups in a virus protein called disulfide isomerase. It may reduce the ability of the virus to penetrate healthy cells or enter the cell through the membrane. This unique property of selenium could abolish the infectivity of viruses. Therefore, the use of selenium is considered promising in our recent battle against the coronavirus epidemic.
The ability of selenium to maintain redox balance, boost immune system functions, inhibit oxidative stress, and promote resistance to viral infections makes it one of the potent nutrients to prevent infections. Regular use of selenium in combination with other immunity-modulating supplements such as BioPro-Plus has been found to be helpful for improving the overall immune system response against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
BioPro-Plus could help to strengthen immunity and enable the body to fight microorganisms more efficiently thereby reducing the risk of serious infections including COVID-19.
Keep Reading About Immunological Disorders:
How Does Vitamin C Supplementation Improve Immunity and Protect Against Infections?
How Does a Dysfunctional Immune System Trigger The Causes Of Mental Health Disorders?