Benefits of Selenium and Zinc

What Are Selenium and Zinc?

Selenium is a vital trace mineral, that occurs naturally in soil, water, and some foods. It is introduced into proteins, forming selenoproteins which are strong antioxidants in the body.

Selenium is good because of its basic function in a number of key biological processes. These compounds assist in protecting cells from free radical related damage, are important in DNA synthesis, in the metabolism of thyroid hormones and for reproductive purposes.

Zinc is another important mineral that takes part in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body.

It is vital in immune function, protein synthesis as well as DNA and cell division formation, and growth and development.

Unlike certain nutrients, the body cannot store zinc and this means that the individual must eat zinc on a regular basis to keep the levels optimal and experience all of the benefits of this nutritional supplement.

Health Benefits of Selenium

Antioxidant Properties

The most important selenium vitamin benefits are the benefits of potent antioxidant properties. Scientific works published in the American Heart Journal have shown that sufficient levels of selenium have a positive effect in helping to alleviate oxidative stress that is associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions.

When shielding the cellular integrity, the selenium supplement benefits involve hindering the aging of a cell.

Thyroid Function

Selenium is important for your health, especially for your thyroid. The thyroid has the highest concentration of selenium in the body, showing how vital it is.

Selenium is crucial in making of the thyroid hormones as well as converting the hormones from the inactive form (T4) to the active form (T3).

Several studies published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology have shown that the supplementation of selenium can effectively relieve poor function of the thyroid in patients with an autoimmune thyroid illness such as, for instance, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

It is an explanation of why a multivitamin with selenium is commonly recommended among people with thyroid complaints.

Immune System Support

Selenium and zinc both have vital functions in the maintenance of a powerful immune system. Selenium stimulates the organism to produce cytokines and activates the work of natural killer cells, which play a major role in protection from infections and cancer cells.

A study has shown that the insufficiency of selenium can compromise the responses of the immune system and make one increasingly prone to viral infections.

The immune-enhancing abilities of selenium make it a top seller, particularly during the times of cold and flu.

Cancer Prevention

The most notable selenium benefit to men is its possible prevention of cancer. Research published in Scientific Reports has detected the relations between sufficient levels of selenium and the risks of prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers.

The antioxidant functions of selenium prevent the mutation-inducing damage to DNA while contributing to the efforts of the body to remove possibly cancerous cells.

Cognitive Health

Emerging research suggests that selenium may play a protective role in brain health and cognitive function. Studies published in Nutrients, 2023, have found that selenium helps prevent neuronal cell death and may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, and selenium's antioxidant properties may help preserve cognitive function as we age. This potential benefit has increased interest in the benefits of selenium supplement regimens for cognitive support in aging populations.

Health Benefits of Zinc

Immune System Support

Since zinc is crucial for the development and activity of such immune cells as neutrophils, macrophages and natural killer cells. Zinc deficit can have a very severe effect on immune function, causing the drastic reduction of bodily defenses against infections.

During an immune reaction, zinc helps reduce inflammation and also helps reduce the duration and the intensity of the common cold. Such immune benefits is why zinc and selenium supplements are usually taken in combination during cold and flu seasons to cover all bases on the immune front.

Wound Healing

Zinc is for building collagen, cell proliferation, and immunity functions all important facets of the wound healing process. It was shown by studies conducted in Nutrients that Zinc supplementation can expedite the recovery process in patients suffering from chronic wounds or incisions after surgery.

This is especially relevant for patients whose condition compromises wound healing, like diabetes, or people who have just suffered from a major wound or surgery.

Protein Synthesis

Zinc plays an essential role in protein synthesis, DNA formation, and cell divisions, functions critical in body growth, repair of tissues and structures of the body. Research disclosed that zinc plays a key role in the activation of enzymes that do play a role in metabolizing proteins and the production of genes.

It is, however, particularly important during the period of growth, childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy, when the development of new tissue is extremely necessary in recovery from sickness or wounds.

Neurological Function

In very high concentrations in the brain, Zinc modifies the activity of the neurotransmitters and regulates normal neurological growth.

Based on the results of the studies published in the Journal of Neuroscience Research, it can be said that zinc regulates the glutamate and GABA receptors important for learning, memory, and mood stabilization.

Sexual Health Benefits

One of the important advantages of zinc is its influence on sexual health and fertility, especially for men. The prostate gland has high levels of zinc, which facilitates the production of testosterone, normal development of sperm,and promotes the health of the prostate.

Study published in 2018 has proven that zinc supplementation can enhance sperm quality, count as well as motility in the males with fertility challenge.

In addition, optimal zinc levels help as well in promoting healthy production of testosterone that plays a role in determining libido, muscle mass and overall vigor in men, explaining why a zinc perch is normally found alongside selenium benefits for men in male health supplements.

For those looking to boost their performance and overall sexual health, adding supplements like PeakErect by Flawless Bloom to your routine is a great option.

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Synergy Effects of Selenium and Zinc

Selenium and zinc work together to enhance their effects, playing a key role in supporting the body's antioxidant defense system. Both minerals are essential for the activity of superoxide dismutase, a major antioxidant enzyme in the body.

Together, they help protect cells from oxidative damage and support the immune system by aiding in antibody production, T-cell function, and cell communication within the immune system.

An article published in Folia Microbiologic has indicated that deficits in both minerals can have a highly adverse effect on immune function, whereas adequate levels of both enable:

• Enhanced resistance to infections
• Improved vaccine responses
• Better management of inflammatory conditions
• Faster recovery from illness

Such a complementary relationship explains why many health professionals would prefer a multi-mineral formulation (zinc and selenium supplement) to single mineral supplements.

The synergy of selenium and zinc is highlighted in Dr. Eric Berg DC's video, 'How ZINC PLUS SELENIUM Provides Balanced Mineral Support' on the Dr. Eric Berg DC Health Advice channel.

He explains how they enhance each other for balanced mineral support, crucial for immunity and antioxidant defense. This underscores the benefit of a combined intake over focusing on just one.

Recommended Dietary Sources

Selenium-Rich Foods

• Brazil nuts: The richest food source, with one nut providing more than the daily requirement
• Seafood: Tuna, halibut, sardines, and shrimp contain significant amounts
• Organ meats: Liver and kidney are excellent sources
• Grains: Especially those grown in selenium-rich soil
• Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese provide moderate amounts

Selenium-Rich Foods

Zinc-Rich Foods

• Oysters: The richest known food source of zinc
• Red meat and poultry: Particularly beef, lamb, and dark chicken meat
• Shellfish: Crab, lobster, and shrimp are excellent sources
• Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, and beans provide plant-based zinc
• Seeds and nuts: Especially pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and cashews
• Fortified breakfast cereals: Often contain added zinc.

Zinc-Rich Foods

Supplementation: When and How to Use

Knowing whether one needs a selenium supplement or a zinc supplement needs to take into account your dietary habits and health status.

The people who could benefit from supplementation include vegetarians and vegans (especially for zinc), people with digestive disorders that hamper the absorption of nutrients, older adults, pregnant women or lactating women and individuals with some chronic conditions.

For selenium, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 55 micrograms for adult persons, though daily zinc needs for adult people range between 8-11 mg, with males requiring a little bit more than females.

As far as the appropriate time for taking the selenium supplements goes, most specialists say one should take it with meals to ensure its better absorption and also to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.

Still, it should be mentioned that the overconsumption of these minerals is harmful. This denotes the need to consult a healthcare provider before using any supplementation program, especially multi-vitamin with selenium and zinc.