Selenium Natural Yeast Bound, 100 mcg., 100 capsules

Selenium is an essential trace element whose importance has only lately begun to be fully appreciated in maintenance of optimal health and to fight free radicals. Even though it is found in soil, and a vast majority of peoples worldwide receive enough amounts of selenium from their diets, it is present in insufficient amounts in the American diet to warrant dietary supplementation. In addition to being a critical trace element, selenium is also a potent antioxidant.

Free radicals are produced in the body normally. To defend against this free radical load, the body is equipped with enzymes, which function as natural antioxidants. One of the body's own antioxidants is the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which requires selenium for its function. If the diet does not supply sufficient amounts of this trace element, its free radical neutralizing function is compromised. Equally importantly, under condition of physical or psychological stress, such as intense exercise or advanced age, more free radicals are produced. In fact, low selenium levels are known to contribute to diseases of the prostate.

The antioxidant activity of selenium is extremely important for the athlete because it helps protect tissues against the stress of exercise. Selenium works together with other antioxidants to help reduce recovery time.

Since intense exercise can, at times, depress immune system, selenium positively affects the immune system, including the activity of all types of white blood cells. Selenium supplementation restores and augments the immune function, which protects against opportunistic infections. Athletes can become prone to infections due to impaired white blood cell and thymus function. The ability of selenium supplementation to enhance immune system goes beyond simply increasing selenium levels in the body. One study demonstrated that supplementation with 200 mcg selenium daily results in 118% increase in the white blood cell activity to ward off any abnormal growth in the body. This effect is due to the ability of selenium to increase the amounts of immune-enhancing molecules (cytokines), which improves the rate of white blood cell production in the body.

Ultimate Nutrition's Natural Yeast-Bound Selenium is specifically designed and manufactured for athletes, but it can also be used by anyone to boost the immune system.

SELECTED REFERENCES

Kiremidjian-Schumaker et al., "Supplementation with Selenium and Human Immune Cell Functions. II: Effect on Cytotoxic Lymphocutes and Natural Killer Cells," Biol. Trace Elem. Res.: 41, 115, 1994

Roy, M., "Supplementation with Selenium and Human Immune Cell Function. I: Effect on Lymphocyte Proliferation and Interleukin-2 Receptor Expression," Biol. Trace Elem. Res.: 41, 103, 1994

Michaelson, G. & Edquist, L., "Erythrocyte Glutathione Peroxidase Activity in Acne Vulgaris and the Effect of Selenium and Vitamin E Treatment," Acta Derm. Venerol.: 64, 9, 1984

Lin, D., Free Radicals and Disease Prevention: What You Must Know, New canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1993

Karakucuk et al., "Selenium Concentrations in Serum, Lens and Aqueous Humor of Patients with senile Cataract," Arch. Opthalmol. Scand.: 73, 329, 1995

Tarp et al., "Low Selenium Levels in Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis," Scand. J. Rheumatol.: 14, 97, 1985

Delmas-Beauvieux et al., "The Enzymatic Antioxidant System in Blood and Glutathione Status in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients: Effects of Supplementation with Selenium and b-Carotene," Am. J. Clin. Nutr.: 64, 101, 1996

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Recommended Daily Intake of Selenium?

Ordinarily, daily intake between 100 and 200 mcg is recommended. For the athlete, however, the PDI (Performance Daily Intake) of up to 300 mcg has been suggested.

What does "mcg" mean?

The abbreviation "mcg" stands for microgram; therefore, 100 mcg is a very small amount. One microgram is 1000 times less than one milligram. The average American diet provides roughly 50 mcg selenium per day. Intake of any amount of selenium over 400 mcg should be discussed and cleared with the primary care physician.

Which Foods Contain Selenium?

Seafood, cashew, peanuts, wheat germ, liver, brown rice, broccoli, barley, bran and brewer's yeast contains sufficient amounts of selenium. Selenium-poor soil, however, produces crops that are poor in selenium. Topsoil erosion in the United States has stripped the soil of selenium. Consequently, the typical American diet does not supply needed amounts of selenium.

What Are the Side Effects of Selenium?

Taken within the range of recommended daily allowance or performance daily intake, selenium supplementation does not usually have any side effects. Moderation yields the best results.

Warning: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet or exercise program. Some of these products are not recommended for individuals under the age of 18.

This page was last modified on Wednesday December 12, 2007