Tag: Heart health

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Selenium and Good Health

Selenium is an essential trace element for good health. If we are to survive and reproduce, we need some selenium in our diets. Not much but some. The reason is that our bodies cannot synthesize the selenium we need. Many of us live in a region of the world with low selenium content in the soil and in the regionally grown food products. Accordingly, it is difficult for us to get enough selenium in our diet.

Selenium researcher Dr. Jan Alexander
Dr. Jan Alexander (M.D., Ph.D.) is co-author on several KiSel-10 studies and co-author of the selenium scoping review for the 2023 Nordic Nutrition Recommendations.

For example, Alexander et al point out that mainland Europe and Scandinavia are regions with a low intake of selenium. North America, by contrast, is a region with much higher selenium intake. There is considerable variation in the selenium content of locally cultivated food products around the world. Consequently, daily selenium intake varies considerably. Depending upon the region we live in, we may be at risk of sub-optimal selenium intakes or selenium deficiency [Alexander 2024]. read more

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Selenium and Heart Disease

Heart disease. The evidence from clinical studies is increasing. Selenium deficiency is associated with an increased risk of heart trouble [Bomer 2020]. Selenium supplementation of elderly individuals who have low selenium status is associated with improved survival, improved heart function, and improved quality of life [Alehagen 2013].

Map of Europe
Selenium intakes and selenium status in countries in northern Europe are generally quite low. Consequently, clinical trials conducted in northern Europe tend to be more valuable than clinical trials conducted in the USA where dietary selenium intakes are considerably higher for the most part.

Especially in northern Europe, clinical studies show the relationship between the need for selenium and the risk of heart disease. This makes sense because the dietary selenium intake in northern Europe is considerably lower than the dietary selenium intake in much of the United States. Consequently, the mean plasma selenium concentrations in Europe tend to be well below 80–90 mcg/L. In the USA, on the other hand, the mean plasma selenium concentrations are generally above 120 mcg/L [Alehagen 2022]. read more

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ChatGPT Answers Selenium Health Benefits Question

How does ChatGPT answer the question: what are the health benefits of selenium supplementation in Europe? Earlier this month, we posed that question to the free version of ChatGPT. We focused on Europe because the selenium intakes in the United States are generally much higher than the selenium intakes in many parts of Europe [Alehagen 2022].

ChatGPT and selenium supplementation
ChatGPT links selenium supplementation to antioxidant protection, cancer prevention, heart health, immune function, and thyroid function. Important to talk with a health professional about selenium intakes and the need for selenium supplementation.

First, ChatGPT explained that selenium is an essential trace element. It plays an important role in physiological processes in the body. It is a necessary component in selenoproteins. These selenoproteins have antioxidant properties. They help regulate immune system function, thyroid function, and DNA synthesis.

Next, ChatGPT reminded that excessive intake of selenium can lead to toxicity. Selenium supplementation should be undertaken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Note that the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 and the European Food Safety Authority both set the tolerable upper intake level at 255 mcg/day [Blomhoff 2023; EFSA 2023]. read more