Less systemic inflammation. Better immune function. Selenium is an essential trace element. Our cells cannot synthesize it. We must get it as a part of our diets. Adequate intakes are necessary for optimal immune system function.
Autoimmune diseases develop when our own immune system malfunctions and attacks our cells. Then we suffer from autoimmune thyroid disorders, lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis or a hundred other autoimmune diseases.
Unfortunately, many of us live in regions with selenium-poor soil and selenium-poor crops and fruits. We do not get sufficient selenium from our food [Stoffaneller & Morse 2015]. Adequate selenium intake and status are vital. There are increased health risks associated with selenium deficiency.
What Defines Selenium Deficiency?
Data from the BIOSTAT-CHF observational cohort study indicate that serum selenium concentrations under 70 mcg/L constitute a deficiency status. Serum selenium concentrations under 100 mcg/L constitute a sub-optimal status [Bomer 2020].read more
The absorption of dietary and supplemental selenium has an important and positive influence on human longevity. Selenium researchers have called selenium a “longevity element.” The selenoenzymes and selenoproteins of which selenium is an essential component have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activity in humans [Li 2024].
Typically, China has many regions with selenium-poor soil and selenium-poor foodstuffs. Some regions, however, do have selenium-rich soil and selenium-rich crops and fruits. One such region is characterized by the longevity of its residents. Selenium seems to be a factor in anti-aging.
Maintaining selenium absorption and metabolism at an optimal physiological state seems to be one of the primary factors for good health and longevity of the elderly people. In particular, scientific studies have shown that selenium intake and status play an important role in the incidence and progression of some chronic diseases [Li 2024]:
Cancer: inducing tumor cell apoptosis, reducing the mutagenicity of carcinogenic factors, prolonging the cell division interval, and slowing proliferation of malignant cells
Heart failure: improving exercise tolerance, reducing mortality rate, and improving quality of life
Heavy metals: binding to mercury, sequestering mercury, reducing mercury’s biological availability and reducing the damage to the kidney caused by exposure to heavy metals
Antioxidant effects: restoring the antioxidant defense system of the body
Selenium-Rich Soil in a Chinese Longevity Township
Bama Yao Autonomous County is the only longevity township in China that is globally recognized as having a continuously growing longevity population. In 2020, Bama had 102 residents over 100 years old. The number had increased from the 2000 census (74 residents over 100 years of age) and the 2010 census (82 residents over 100 years of age). Bama has relatively stable genetic and geographic factors and a relatively stable dietary culture [Li 2024]. The proportion of centenarians is nearly six times greater than the international standard proportion [Zhang 2023].read more
In senior citizens, and delayed aging and longevity are associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection derived from daily supplementation with selenium and Coenzyme Q10 [Alehagen 2023].
Daily supplementation with selenium and Coenzyme Q10 seems to have a positive influence on longevity and delayed aging.
The KiSel-10 Study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of the effect of combined selenium and CoQ10 supplementation of senior citizens on cardiovascular mortality.
Researchers administered 200 micrograms of selenium in a selenium-rich yeast preparation and 200 milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 in the ubiquinone form or matching placebos to community living senior citizens daily for 48 months [Alehagen 2013].
Summary of Statistically Significant KiSel-10 Study Outcomes
reduction of cardiovascular mortality in the active treatment group vs. the placebo group (5.9% vs. 12.6%) and better cardiac function observed on echocardiograms in the active supplementation group compared to the placebo group [Alehagen 2013]
reduction of plasma levels of the N-terminal natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a bio-marker for increased risk of heart failure [Johansson 2013]
improvement of health-related quality of life and fewer days in hospital [Johansson 2015]
reduction of cardiovascular mortality in senior citizens with low serum selenium status [Alehagen 2016a; Alehagen 2016b]
reduction of cardiovascular mortality that persisted after 10 and 12 years in the supplemented group and in subgroups with diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and reduced functional capacity due to impaired cardiac function [Alehagen 2015a; Alehagen 2018]
reduction of plasma levels of two bio-markers for oxidative damage [Alehagen 2015c]
reduction of plasma levels of six bio-markers for systemic inflammation [Alehagen 2015b; Alehagen 2019b]
reduction of serum levels of seven bio-markers for fibrosis [Alehagen 2017b]
reduction of plasma levels of bio-markers for endothelial dysfunction [Alehagen 2020c]
increase in plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, attenuating an age-related decline in IGF-1 concentrations [Alehagen 2017a]
reduction of fructosamine concentration compared with the concentration in the placebo group, which tended to increase, important because fructosamine concentration is positively associated with incidence of diabetes and increased blood glucose level [Alehagen 2020b]
improvement of renal function in elderly citizens deficient in selenium [Alehagen 2020a]
prevention of an increase in D-dimer levels, which are associated with increased risk of thrombotic disorders [Alehagen 2021]
association with significant changes in metabolic profiles and with significant changes in the pentose phosphate, the mevalonate, the beta-oxidation, and the xanthine oxidase pathways [Alehagen 2019a]
association with significant changes in circulating microRNA [Alehagen 2017c]
structural equation modelling that shows that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are the primary underlying biological mechanisms to explain the success of the KiSel-10 study [Alehagen 2022b]
decrease in concentrations of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) [Alehagen 2022a]
improvement in serum free thiol levels, supporting a reduction in systemic oxidative stress [Dunning 2023]
positive effects on five age-related blood biomarkers – ICAM-1, adiponectin, leptin, stem cell factor, and osteoprotegerin – indicating an anti-aging direction compared to placebo [Alehagen 2023].
Conclusion: Delayed aging and longevity associated with Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 for senior citizens
Professor Urban Alehagen and Professor Jan Aaseth have explained an important biological interrelationship between selenium and Coenzyme Q10 and pointed to a theoretical advantage in using both substances in an intervention if there are deficiencies within the population [Alehagen 2015d].read more
Anti-aging effects. Longevity. Telomere length. Daily supplementation of senior citizens with selenium and Coenzyme Q10 for 42 months slowed down telomere shortening and reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease [Opstad 2022]. The two substances in combination — selenium and Coenzyme Q10 — may be the key to slowing down biological ageing.
What Are Telomeres? Why Are They Important?
The latest sub-study of the KiSel-10 Study data shows that combined selenium and CoQ10 supplementation not only reduces the risk of death from heart disease but also has anti-ageing properties. Pictured here: Professor Urban Alehagen.
Telomeres are the segments of DNA sequences that protect the ends of chromosomes from becoming frayed or tangled. Every time a cell divides, the telomeres become a little bit shorter. When, with increasing age, the telomeres become too short, the cell cannot divide successfully, and the cell dies [National Human Genome Research Institute 2022].read more
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
