Selenium is a potent nutritional antioxidant that carries out biological effects through its incorporation into selenoproteins and selenoproteins are involved in the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of cells that drive innate and adaptive immune responses.
Selenium and selenoproteins are also involved in immunoregulation, which is crucial for preventing excessive responses that may lead to autoimmunity or chronic inflammation.
Many members of the selenoprotein family (among 25 selenoprotein which have been identified) function as enzymes involved in redox reactions and the most completely characterized selenoprotein enzymes associated to immune system include glutathione peroxidases, thioredoxin reductases, iodothyronine deiodinases, methionine-R-sulfoxide reductase B1, and selenophosphate synthetase 2.
As an immune supportive mineral, selenium also stimulates the development and function of all types of white blood cells and increases the ability of lymphocytes and NK cells, or killer cells, to activate and respond to aggressors such as bacteria and viruses, including the flu. Selenium functions synergistically with Vitamin E, A and C as an antioxidant.
Selenium deficiency has long been documented to negatively impact immune cells during activation, differentiation, and proliferation. This is associated to increased oxidative stress.
Selenium: Immune Supportive Mineral
