Dr David McGrath
Spine Physician
MB BS (Hons) FAFOM, RACP, FAFMMMaster of Pain Medicine
Selenium
Bottom Line: High levels important for adequate anti-oxidant status, in prevention of cancer,slowing aging. Role in heavy metal detoxification and thyroid function.
Vital component in a number of enzymes
1.Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) acts in concert with Reduced Glutathione (GSH to GSSG). Five enzymes have been described GPX1,2,3,4,5 The first four are selenium dependant. Found in liver,kidney,RBC,heart,GIT,lung. Reduces organic PEROXIDES (from unsaturated fatty acids PUFA). Levels of mRNA for GPX, follow serum levels of selenium.
2. Iodine metaboism. THROID function.One of the de/iodinases (type1) is selenium dependant. Converts T4 to T3 (most active isomer)
Less established Roles
2. Cytochrome P450 a liver enzyme essential for a number of detoxification reactions
3. DNA repair
4. Pancreas enzymes
5. Immune system behaviour
6. Detoxification of heavy metals (mercury,lead,cadmuim)
Sources
1. Animal products especially Organ meats
2. Seafood
3. Plantfood, depending on soil
Transport
1. Carried in the blood in lipid particles, such as VLDL,IDL,LDL
2. Specific selenoproteins (selenoprotein P in rat)
(to be continued)
©Copyright 2007 Dr David McGrath. All rights reserved