What is selenium?

Selenium is an essential trace element and supports the immune system, is responsible for activating thyroid hormones and plays an important role in detoxification processes. As a component of antioxidant enzymes, selenium protects cells and reduces oxidative stress. Selenium is also responsible for the production of sperm, improves sperm motility and is an important trace element for male fertility.

Selenium is mainly stored in the liver, kidneys, bones and muscles. Selenium levels are primarily regulated by the kidneys, which filter excess selenium from the blood and excrete it in the urine.

A selenium deficiency can manifest itself in tiredness, muscle pain, joint pain, immune deficiency or mood swings. A severe deficiency affects the thyroid gland, heart muscle and liver function.

An excess should also be avoided. Typical symptoms of an excess of selenium are a garlic-like smell from the breath, exhaustion, tiredness, gastrointestinal complaints, hair loss and brittle hair and fingernails. It is virtually impossible to get too much selenium from food.

Examples of selenium-rich foods:

Good to know

Selenium is one of the most important antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. These are often the start of numerous diseases. Eye diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer are among them, as are multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease (caused by the attack of free radicals on nerve cells) and Alzheimer's disease (caused by the attack on brain cells). Chronic inflammatory processes such as: Arthritis, ulcerative colitis or thyroid inflammation are triggered by free radicals. Supplementation with antioxidants, including selenium, can reduce oxidative stress and have a positive effect on these diseases.

What does genetics have to do with it?