Selenium is an essential micronutrient for human health.

Selenium's numerous functions in the body make it a critical component of a balanced diet. It supports, among other things, immune system function, thyroid hormone metabolism, reproduction and protection against oxidative stress. A deficiency of this trace element can have far-reaching health consequences, which is why an appropriate selenium level is of immense importance.

Basics of selenium deficiency

Selenium is an essential trace element, which means that the body cannot produce it itself and is therefore dependent on its supply through food. An insufficient selenium status in the organism can impair various metabolic processes and thus lead to health problems.

Selenium deficiency can result from an unbalanced diet, poor soil conditions that result in selenium-deficient plants, or certain diseases that affect the absorption or utilization of selenium. Adequate dietary intake is the primary method of prevention.

An indicator of selenium deficiency is a lower selenium plasma level, which can be determined by laboratory chemical analysis. This can result in various functional impairments, particularly in the area of ​​thyroid function and immune defense.

Importance of selenium for the body

Selenium is essential for maintaining the immune system and supports numerous metabolic processes.

Selenium contributes significantly to the function of thyroid hormones and to the reduction of oxidative stress.

It plays a central role in detoxification, promotes reproduction and supports the integrity of cell membranes, especially of the cardiovascular system.

A sufficient supply of selenium is essential for the synthesis of important proteins, including enzymes such as glutathione peroxidases, and modulates inflammatory processes.

Signs and symptoms of deficiency

Fatigue and weakness are early warning signs.

A low selenium concentration in the body can cause a variety of problems. Those affected often suffer from hair loss and onychodystrophy, which leads to brittle nails and hair. Muscle function may be impaired, associated with muscle weakness and pain. In addition, poor immune defenses are often a result of selenium deficiency.

Mood swings can also occur.

If the deficiency becomes advanced, there could be a risk of Keshan disease – a specific heart disease.

If symptoms of deficiency persist, medical advice should be sought immediately. It is particularly advisable to examine the selenium levels in the blood count, especially if heart muscle problems and joint problems also become apparent. The correlation between selenium intake and disease risk is continually being studied, and research results up to and including 2023 confirm the importance of a balanced selenium balance. An adequate diagnostic procedure is therefore essential for the early detection and prevention of selenium deficiency conditions.

Risk groups for selenium deficiency

Certain groups of people are at increased risk of suffering from a selenium deficiency. The availability of selenium in food varies worldwide and is largely determined by the selenium content in the soil.

• People with an unbalanced diet: E.g. through diets or a lack of food variety.
• Residents of selenium-poor regions: Particularly in parts of China and Europe where the soil contains less selenium.
• Elderly people: Selenium intake may decrease with increasing age.
• Patients with certain diseases: These include malabsorption disorders, e.g. in celiac disease or Crohn's disease.
• People on dialysis: Kidney patients may lose selenium through the dialysis process.

In these risk groups, a targeted analysis of selenium intake should be carried out in order to prevent deficiency symptoms.

An individual deficit can occur, especially if there is an unbalanced nutritional profile. Therefore, comprehensive nutritional advice is crucial to ensure adequate selenium levels.

Overall, selenium is an essential trace element that is necessary for a variety of body functions. A deficiency can result in serious health problems, which is why prevention and, if necessary, supplementation are indicated for identified risk groups.

Causes of selenium deficiency

The main cause of selenium deficiency is often inadequate dietary intake due to the selenium content of the soil in which the food crops are grown. An unbalanced diet with low consumption of selenium-rich foods such as nuts, fish and whole grains can also lead to a deficit. In addition, food processing processes can contribute to a decrease in selenium content.

Another important cause of selenium deficiency can be a disturbed absorption capacity of the gastrointestinal tract. Diseases such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease affect the absorption of selenium from food. In addition, genetic factors can also influence selenium metabolism and thus the availability of this important micronutrient in the body.

Nutritional causes of deficiency

A selenium deficiency can occur with unbalanced diets that do not include enough foods rich in selenium.

Selenium-poor soils in certain geographical regions mean that the foods grown there have correspondingly lower selenium concentrations. This can shape local dietary habits and increase the risk of selenium deficiency.

Modern food processing can further reduce the selenium content of staple foods. Refining processes such as peeling grains or vegetables can remove the selenium-containing outer layers and thus contribute to nutrient loss.

A preference for heavily processed and industrially produced foods can also lead to insufficient selenium intake. These foods often contain less selenium than fresh and unprocessed products.

Consuming organically grown foods is no guarantee of sufficient selenium intake, as the selenium status of the soil is also crucial here.

Malabsorption and diseases

Disturbances in nutrient absorption, known as malabsorption, can also lead to selenium deficiency. People with digestive tract diseases that affect the ability to absorb nutrients are particularly affected.

Celiac disease, Crohn's disease and certain forms of pancreatitis are examples of diseases that can affect the absorption of selenium from food. These diseases often damage the intestinal mucosa, reducing the absorption of many essential nutrients, including selenium. Chronic intestinal disease causes inflammation and can deplete the body's selenium reserves, as the body increases its use of the element to support the immune system and relieve oxidative stress responses.

Furthermore, gastrointestinal diseases can interfere with selenium absorption, even when food intake appears appropriate. Interventions such as gastric bypass surgery to treat obesity can also lead to reduced selenium availability because they shorten the contact time of food with the absorptive surface of the intestine, thereby effectively reducing absorption.

Ultimately, a general protein deficiency can affect selenium status because selenium is bound to proteins for its transport and effects in the body. Patients with protein-energy malnutrition or with chronic kidney disease that leads to increased loss of selenium-binding proteins via the kidneys often show reduced selenium status. This underlines the importance of an adequate protein supply for maintaining a balanced selenium balance, especially in the presence of illnesses that influence nutrient absorption.

Geographic factors

The selenium concentration in the soil varies significantly worldwide and therefore directly influences the selenium status of the population living there. Some regions, such as parts of China or Finland, are known for their selenium-poor soils.

In Europe, the selenium content of the soil varies particularly greatly. These geological differences lead to varying selenium concentrations in agricultural products.

The uptake of selenium by plants depends heavily on the bioavailability of selenium in the soil; So selenium-rich soils lead to selenium-rich harvests. In areas where the soil is poor in selenium, this can result in foods with insufficient selenium content for a balanced diet, increasing the risk of selenium deficiency.

Furthermore, the distribution of selenium across different ecosystems may lead to geographic health disparities. Selenium deficiency in certain areas may be exacerbated due to local dietary habits that rely heavily on low-selenium foods. In addition, environmental factors such as industrial agriculture or air pollution may further impact selenium availability in some regions. A global harmonization of selenium levels in soils and foods is therefore a challenge that requires in-depth agricultural and environmental knowledge to overcome.

Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose a selenium deficiency, a dedicated examination of the serum selenium concentration is necessary, which is usually carried out through a blood test. Low selenium levels may indicate a deficiency, but clinical symptoms and the patient's dietary habits should also be taken into account. In addition, selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase can also be measured in the blood to obtain a comprehensive insight into the selenium status.

Selenium deficiency is usually treated through the targeted supply of selenium, usually in the form of dietary supplements. However, it is essential to choose an adequate dosage, as both deficiency and overdose are associated with risks. In severe cases, a higher dosage may be necessary, but this should always be done under medical supervision. A balanced diet rich in foods containing selenium such as nuts, fish and whole grain products forms the basis for preventing selenium deficiency.

Tests to determine a defect

The diagnosis of selenium deficiency is based on various examination methods.

• Blood test: Measurement of serum selenium concentration.
• Whole blood analysis: Determination of the total selenium level in the blood.
• Specific selenoprotein tests: For example, measuring glutathione peroxidase activity.

An assessment should always take several indicators into account.

Adequate interpretation of test results requires expert medical knowledge.

Selenium enrichment in the diet plan

Incorporating selenium-rich foods is crucial for preventing selenium deficiency.

• nuts, especially Brazil nuts, are excellent sources of selenium.
• fish and seafood, such as tuna or crabs, also contain high amounts of selenium.
• meat products, especially offal such as liver, can contribute to selenium intake.
• Vegetarian options include Lentils, beans and seeds.
• whole grain products also contribute to covering the selenium requirement.
• There are special options for vegetarians and vegans fortified foods represent a source of selenium.

To avoid deficiencies, these products should be consumed regularly.

It is advisable to optimize selenium intake through a varied diet rather than relying on supplements.

Taking selenium supplements such as Selenium 200

The adequate dosage of selenium preparations requires precise medical considerations. It is important to consider individual needs and avoid overdosing.

If there is a proven selenium deficiency, taking Selenium 200, a selenium preparation with 200 micrograms per tablet, may be indicated. However, therapy should always be based on a sound medical recommendation and the duration of use should be precisely determined.

When supplementing, it is crucial to select high-quality products that ensure good bioavailability of selenium. Correct use and dosage is of great importance for the effectiveness and safety of the supplement.

Regular monitoring of blood selenium levels by healthcare professionals is necessary to ensure appropriate dosage adjustment. Side effects and interactions with other medications must be carefully monitored.

In the long term, the goal is to compensate for selenium deficiencies through a selenium-rich diet. Dietary supplements such as Selenium 200 should therefore be viewed as support and not as the sole solution.

Prevention and daily selenium requirements

Preventing selenium deficiency requires a balanced diet that includes foods containing selenium such as fish, meat, eggs and certain nuts. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily selenium intake of 60 micrograms for women and 70 micrograms for men. This amount can usually be achieved through a wholesome diet and covers the body's need to prevent selenium deficiency symptoms.

High-dose selenium intake through preparations should be avoided unless a deficiency has been diagnosed by a doctor. A blood test can help to check the selenium status in order to ensure a needs-based and health-promoting selenium supply.

Selenium-rich foods

Selenium is an essential trace element that is found in various foods. The most notable selenium-rich foods include:

• Nuts, especially Brazil nuts: One of the richest natural sources of selenium.
• fish and seafood: Tuna and shrimp in particular contribute significantly to selenium intake.
• Meat: Organ meats such as liver and kidneys in particular contain selenium.
• Eggs: In addition to proteins, they also provide significant amounts of selenium.
• Cereals and legumes: Whole grain products and lentils also contain selenium.
• poultry: Chicken and turkey meat are good sources of selenium.

A diet rich in selenium has a preventive effect against deficiency symptoms. The focus should be on diversity to ensure a balanced intake.

The choice and preparation of these foods play a crucial role in the body's optimal selenium absorption. The absorption can be affected by various factors, which is why a holistic view of the diet is advisable.

Recommended daily dose and overdose

The recommended daily dose of selenium varies depending on age, gender and stage of life. In Germany, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends an intake of 70 micrograms of selenium per day for adult men and 60 micrograms of selenium per day for adult women.

It is important to be aware of the dangers of overdose. Chronic ingestion of excessive amounts of selenium, known as selenosis, can lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, hair loss, fatigue and, in severe cases, neurological impairment. The upper limit for daily intake should therefore not exceed 300 micrograms to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

On the other hand, acute deficiency can lead to serious health problems. Symptoms such as muscle weakness, immune system dysfunction and, in cases of severe deficiency, heart disease are possible. This illustrates the relevance of regulated selenium intake to maintain homeostasis.

Particular caution is therefore required when supplementing with selenium. It is advisable to coordinate the exact dosage and duration of use with a doctor or nutritionist. A dose adjustment may be necessary, particularly in people with pre-existing illnesses or impaired kidney function. In this way, selenium intake can be individualized and safe without increasing the risk of damage to health.

Long-term health care

Adequate selenium intake is essential for the long-term maintenance of numerous metabolic processes. It boosts the immune system and supports thyroid function, promoting overall health.

Selenium plays an important role in chronic diseases. Studies suggest that adequate selenium status may protect against cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and other inflammatory processes. A long-term stabilized selenium balance can therefore contribute to the prevention of illnesses and is therefore an essential part of health care. However, finding the balance between adequate supply and overdose requires precise knowledge of your own body and, if necessary, specialist medical advice.

Regular checking of the selenium status, especially in risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women or people with digestive disorders, is of great importance. Selenium deficiency can be effectively prevented through an adapted diet or targeted supplementation. Maintaining an optimal selenium level makes a decisive contribution to long-term health.

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