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Olympian Labs Selenium 200mcg 100Caps

SELENIUMSelenium is an essential trace mineral in the human body. This nutrient is a component of glutathione peroxidase,an important enzyme that protects arteries and cell membranes from damage by free radicals that are producedduring normal oxygen metabolism. The body has developed defenses such as antioxidants to control levels of freeradicals because they can damage cells and contribute to the development of some chronic diseases. Selenium isalso essential for normal functioning of the immune system and thyroid gland. Selenium may also aid in proteinsynthesis, growth and development, and fertility, especially in the male. It has been shown to improve spermproduction and motility.Selenium has a variety of functions but its main role is as an antioxidant. It is part of a nutritional antioxidantsystem that protects cell membranes and intracellular structural membranes from lipid peroxidation. Thisprotection of the tissues and cell membranes may benefit the cardiovascular system and protect against cancer. Weneed adequate daily amounts of selenium for the maintenance of these antioxidant functions and for selenium'sother cellular functions as well.Selenium may also have anti carcinogenic effects. The exact mechanism of action remains unknown. The mostlikely reason is related to its antioxidant action. However, some evidence suggests that selenium may decrease celldivision or help cell repair.Selenium also seems to protect us from the toxic effects of heavy metals and other substances. People withadequate selenium intake have fewer adverse effects from cigarette smoking, alcohol, oxidized fats, and mercuryand cadmium toxicity. Aside from the likely antioxidant influence, the specific mechanism by which seleniumaffords this protection is not known, though the effect is confirmed by some research.Plant foods are the major dietary sources of selenium. The amount of selenium in soil determines the amount ofselenium in the plant foods that are grown in that soil. Low soil levels of selenium are associated with highercancer rates, and soil rich areas have below average cancer rates for a number of body systems, particularly thebreasts, colon, and lungs. Selenium also can be found in some meats and seafood. In the U.S., meats and breadare common sources of dietary selenium. Some nuts, in particular Brazil nuts and walnuts, are also very goodsources of selenium.Selenium deficiency is most commonly seen in parts of China where the selenium content in the soil, and thereforeselenium intake, is very low. Selenium deficiency is linked to Keshan Disease, a form of heart disease prevalentin children and is characterized by an enlarged heart and congestive heart failure, may be a direct result of seleniumdeficiency, as it has responded well to selenium treatment. People in Keshan, China, where the disease wasdiscovered, treat it with a common herb called Astragalus, which accumulates selenium from the soil.Selenium deficiency may also affect thyroid function bec

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