Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the human body, including its immune system. It is required in small amounts, and deficiency or excess of this element can lead to various health issues. The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs responsible for protecting the body against infections and diseases. In recent years, research has highlighted the importance of selenium in supporting immune function. Here, we will discuss how selenium contributes to the immune system.

Selenium as an Antioxidant

Selenium is a vital component of various antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidases (GPx), thioredoxin reductases (TrxR), and iodothyronine deiodinases (IDI) (Rayman, 2000). These enzymes play an essential role in protecting the body against oxidative stress, which is a significant contributor to aging and various chronic diseases (Rahman, 2007).

By reducing oxidative stress, selenium helps maintain the integrity of cellular components and supports the proper functioning of immune cells. In a study by Hoffmann et al. (2008), selenium supplementation in elderly individuals improved the immune response by increasing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocytes.

Selenium and Immune Cell Function

Selenium is directly involved in the function and proliferation of immune cells. T cells, B cells, and NK cells are critical components of the immune system, and their proper functioning is essential for maintaining health. In a study by Avery et al. (2010), the researchers found that selenium deficiency led to impaired T cell function and an overall weakened immune response.

Selenium is also crucial for the proper differentiation of T-helper (Th) cells. Th cells play a significant role in regulating immune responses, and selenium is involved in the differentiation of Th1 and Th2 cells, which have distinct roles in immunity (Huang et al., 2012).

Selenium and Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural immune response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can be detrimental to health. Selenium plays a crucial role in regulating inflammatory processes, mainly through its involvement in selenoprotein synthesis. Selenoproteins, such as GPx and TrxR, help modulate inflammation by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and maintaining redox balance (Barnes et al., 2009).

Moreover, selenium influences the production of cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which are essential for coordinating immune responses (Zhang et al., 2014).

Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a vital role in supporting the immune system. Its involvement in antioxidant enzyme production helps protect the body against oxidative stress and maintain the proper functioning of immune cells. Additionally, selenium influences immune cell function, inflammation, antiviral immunity, and autoimmune disorder regulation. Adequate intake of selenium is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. By understanding selenium’s role in immune function, we can better appreciate the importance of maintaining optimal selenium levels and how these levels can support overall health and well-being.

References:

Rayman, M. P. (2000). The importance of selenium to human health. The Lancet, 356(9225), 233-241.
Avery, J. C., & Hoffmann, P. R. (2010). Selenium, selenoproteins, and immunity. Nutrients, 2(9), 930-948.

Barnes, P. J., Karin, M. (2009). Nuclear factor-κB: a pivotal transcription factor in chronic inflammatory diseases. The New England Journal of Medicine, 336(15), 1066-1071.

Beck, M. A., Nelson, H. K., Shi, Q., Van Dael, P., Schiffrin, E. J., Blum, S., & Levander, O. A. (2001). Selenium deficiency increases the pathology of an influenza virus infection. The FASEB Journal, 15(8), 1481-1483.

Krysiak, R., Okopien, B., & Herman, Z. S. (2014). The effect of levothyroxine and selenomethionine on lymphocyte and monocyte cytokine release in women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 99(7), E1301-E1307.

Rahman, K. (2007). Studies on free radicals, antioxidants, and co-factors. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2(2), 219-236.

Huang, Z., Rose, A. H., & Hoffmann, P. R. (2012). The role of selenium in inflammation and immunity: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 16(7), 705-743.

Baum, M. K., Shor-Posner, G., & Lai, S. (2000). High risk of HIV-related mortality is associated with selenium deficiency. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 15(5), 370-374.

Hurwitz, B. E., Klaus, J. R., Llabre, M. M., Gonzalez, A., Lawrence, P. J., Maher, K. J., Greeson, J. M., Baum, M. K., Shor-Posner, G., Skyler, J. S., & Schneiderman, N. (2007). Suppression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 viral load with selenium supplementation: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Internal Medicine, 167(2), 148-154.

Peretz, A., Neve, J., Desmedt, J., Duchateau, J., Dramaix, M., & Famaey, J. P. (2001). Lymphocyte response is enhanced by supplementation of elderly subjects with selenium-enriched yeast. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 73(3), 722-728.

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Note: The information provided in this section of our website is for educational purposes. While the scientific discoveries and clinical developments that we reference in this section may be exciting, they are stepping stones in the studies of Diindolylmethane (DIM) and some of the other nutrients in the Berkeley Immune Support Formula. The explorations of clinical applications for Diindolylmethane and some of the other nutrients within this dietary supplement are an emerging science. Only the US FDA has the authority to recognize a compound as a drug or therapeutic for a particular condition in the US and that occurs after the compound has been thoroughly studied and its efficacy established in four consecutive double-blind human clinical trials. At this point in time, Diindolylmethane and the other nutrients in the Berkeley Immune Support Formula are regarded as dietary supplements and not therapeutics for any specific condition by the US FDA. The Berkeley Immune Support Formula is a nutritional supplement. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The Berkeley Immune Support Formula is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.