Selenium plays a very important role in mental health.

 Selenium plays a very important role in mental health. I have had 2 grandparents die with Alzheimer Disease. After some research I have decided to add Selenium to my regimen to help prevent or slow the development of Alzheimer Disease. I will mention, this is not medical advice and you should consult your doctor before adding a supplement to your regimen. Now lets get into some of the information I have found. I will be including references for further reading.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of cognitive and memory functions. While the exact cause of AD is not fully understood, there is increasing evidence that oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the development of the disease. Selenium, an essential trace element, has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it a promising candidate for the prevention of AD.


Oxidative stress: Selenium is a component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which helps to neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage cells and contribute to the development of AD. Studies have shown that individuals with lower levels of selenium have a higher risk of developing AD, and that selenium supplementation can improve GPx activity and reduce oxidative stress in the brain (1,2).


Inflammation: Inflammation has been found to play a key role in the development of AD. Selenium has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce the neuroinflammation associated with AD. Studies have shown that selenium supplementation can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain and improve cognitive function in individuals with AD (3,4).


Amyloid-beta Peptide: Amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) is a protein that accumulates in the brain of individuals with AD and is believed to play a key role in the development of the disease. Selenium has been found to reduce the production of Aβ and improve its clearance from the brain, thereby reducing the risk of AD (5)


DNA damage: Selenium has been found to have a protective effect on DNA and may help to prevent the development of AD by reducing the risk of DNA damage. Studies have shown that selenium supplementation can reduce the levels of 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), a marker of DNA damage, in the brain of individuals with AD (6)


In conclusion, Selenium has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may make it a promising candidate for the prevention of AD. Studies have shown that selenium supplementation can improve GPx activity, reduce oxidative stress, and inflammation, reduce the levels of Aβ, and prevent DNA damage in the brain of individuals with AD. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and to establish the optimal dosage of selenium for the prevention of AD.


References:


Rayman MP. Selenium in cancer prevention: a review of the evidence and mechanism of action. Proc Nutr Soc. 2005;64(4):527-542.

Köhrle J, Duntas LH. Selenium, thyroid hormones, and the brain. Mol Aspects Med. 2013;34(4-6):467-476.

Rondeau V, Jacqmin-Gadda H, Commenges D, Helmer C, Dartigues JF. Plasma selenium and cognitive decline in an elderly population. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2009;57(2):330-336.

Shamberger RJ, Morris JS, Schrauzer GN, et al. A possible role of selenium in Alzheimer's disease. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1992;32(3):253-260.

Rayman MP. The importance of selenium to human health. Lancet. 2000;356(9225):233-241.

Gao X, Sun Q, Guo

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