Selenium
Selenium is a trace element that is essential for good health. Selenium protects the integrity of cell walls from the harmful and destructive effects of free radicals, which are produced during energy metabolism
but are also derived from tobacco smoke.
Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage from free radicals, and selenoproteins also play a role in the immune system. The presence of selenium is also an important component at the catalytic sites of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme important to smokers.
Selenium deficiency causes a profound reduction in glutathione peroxidase activity parts of the body. Resulting in oxidative stress.
The body cannot manufacture this micronutrient, so it must be supplied through the diet. Plant foods are the major dietary sources of selenium; how much selenium in food depends on the selenium content of the soil where plants are grown or animals are raised.
Observational studies indicate that death from cancer, including lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers, is lower among people with higher blood levels or intake of selenium. Two important long-term studies, one in France and a second in the U.S., are now underway to further investigate the selenium/cancer prevention link.
The Research
Selenium is an important antimutagen through antioxidant effects associated with its role in enzymes associated with endogenous repair of DNA damage. University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Selenium supplementation significantly reduced the inhibitory effects both in vitro and in vivo of cigarette smoke. Universite Rene Descartes, Paris, France.
Antioxidant intake was associated with reduced risk of osteoporotic hip fracture in the elderly smokers. Research conducted by Utah State University.
Selenium supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and a significantly reduced risk of prevalent adenomas among current smokers. Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY.
In a large-scale human supplementation trial, selenium (Se) was shown to significantly reduce the incidence of prostate cancer in elderly men. Institut fur Rechtsmedizin, Ludwig-Maximillians Universitat, Munich, Germany.
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