Exploring the Organs Most Affected by Selenium Deficiency

Selenium is a vital trace element that seldom gets the attention it deserves. Amid the variety of minerals required in the body, it is understandable to overlook this essential element despite its benefits. These benefits include the synthesis of DNA, metabolism and proper functioning of thyroid hormones, defense against infection, and improving your reproductive health. As incredible as the above-mentioned benefits of selenium, deficiency in this element can chronically affect most of your internal organs. Read on to discover the organs negatively affected by Selenium deficiency.

The Organs Most Affected by Selenium Deficiency

1. Thyroid Gland:

Did you know that your thyroid gland is an organ that has the highest amount of selenium? This is because, in the thyroid, selenium is essential for its antioxidant function and the metabolism of the thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) are synthesized by the thyroid gland and function like some sort of stove in your body. This means that these hormones regulate your basal metabolic rate, body temperature, overall metabolism, etc.

Selenium is integrated into 25 human proteins called selenoproteins and occurs as the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine. These selenoproteins are critical for many cellular functions, including oxidative stress defense, immune response, and thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenoproteins are key molecules responsible for the conversion of T4 to its active form T3. Thus, selenium deficiency decreases the synthesis of thyroid hormones due to the reduced function of selenoproteins.

This decreased production of thyroid hormones leads to a lack of negative feedback control. Consequently, this increases the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) production. This is why more TSH production is seen in hypothyroidism while low TSH production occurs in hyperthyroidism. As a result, disrupted thyroid function can trigger symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and brain fog.

2. Heart:

Selenium is crucial for the production and function of the selenoproteins. These proteins play various roles in cardiovascular health, cellular activities in the heart, and antioxidant defense. Most notably, selenium is essential for the repair of heart tissues, control of inflammation, and prevent the worsening of various heart conditions. Thus, a deficiency of this mineral can increase the risk of developing various cardiovascular conditions.

3. Liver:

Selenium is a key component of an enzyme that protects against oxidative damage in the liver called glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Therefore, selenium deficiency reduces the activity of GPx which impairs the ability of the liver to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other harmful molecules. Therefore, this increases the risk of liver fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and eventually, liver damage.

4. Brain and Nervous System:

Selenium deficiency may contribute to the development or progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. This is because selenium is involved in antioxidant protection and shielding the brain cells. Men have a higher risk of suffering from selenium deficiency due to their diet and the role selenium plays in heart and prostate health. Additionally, selenium exerts a neuroprotective effect on the brain cells and mitigates the deleterious impact of stress on the brain.

5. Reproductive Organs:

The antioxidant properties of selenium are particularly vital in fertility. Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, is a well-known factor that contributes to infertility. In men, oxidative stress can damage sperm DNA, impair sperm motility, and reduce sperm viability. In women, it can disrupt the delicate balance required for ovarian function, oocyte maturation, and embryo development. Therefore, thanks to its antioxidant activity, selenium is an indispensable mineral for fertility. Also, selenium deficiency can contribute to infertility and pregnancy complications.

How to Improve and Avoid Selenium Deficiency

Selenium deficiency can affect multiple systems in your body. The symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, poor immunity, reproductive problems, etc. Also, developing thyroid problems is one of the classic signs that you might have low levels of selenium as other signs are similar to other mineral deficiencies.

Therefore, to improve and reduce the risk of selenium deficiency, here are some tips;

• Include selenium-rich foods in your diet. These include seafood, meat, brown rice, etc.
• Using a selenium supplement: using NATURE’SFIELD SELENIUM will help you fill the nutritional gap of getting an adequate amount of this mineral with convenience.

Selenium is an incredible mineral that plays a vital role in the health of your thyroid, heart, immune system, liver, reproductive system, etc. As this mineral is not produced in your body, consuming the required amount is via external sources. You can also benefit from supplementing with NATURE’SFIELD SELENIUM especially if you are deficient in selenium and experiencing a variety of symptoms.