Geri

Selenium is an essential mineral, meaning it is vital for the body. It is a key component of several important selenoproteins and enzymes, including antioxidant glutathione peroxidase, which neutralizes free radicals and lipid peroxides. This protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. Cellular antioxidant enzymes prevent oxidative stress, which is associated with the development of many diseases.

Selenoproteins also play a role in:

  • Thyroid function (as part of iodothyronine deiodinase I and thioredoxin reductase).
  • Immune system regulation.
  • Reproductive health.
  • Cancer prevention (as suggested by some studies).
  • Detoxification of heavy metals, as selenium acts as an antagonist to arsenic and helps protect the body from cadmium, lead, thallium, and mercury.
  • Do not eat for 2-3 hours before the test; drinking still water is allowed.
  • Refrain from smoking for at least 30 minutes before the test.
  • Diagnosis of selenium deficiency.
  • Detection of selenosis (selenium poisoning).
  • Screening of individuals living in selenium-deficient regions.
  • Monitoring patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition or those who have undergone bariatric surgery.
  • Propionic acidemia monitoring in patients with malabsorption syndrome.
  • Assessment of patients with signs of:
    • Keshan disease (endemic cardiomyopathy).
    • Kashin-Beck disease (osteoarthritis with bone and joint deformities).
    • Endemic cretinism.
    • Myxedema.
  • Evaluation of selenium toxicity symptoms.
  • Occupational health screening for workers exposed to high selenium levels in industrial settings.

Causes of Low Selenium Levels in Blood:

  • Low selenium content in food and drinking water.
  • Inadequate selenium intake due to:
    • Parenteral nutrition without selenium supplementation.
    • Unbalanced diet.
    • Malabsorption syndrome (e.g., after bariatric surgery).
    • Chronic alcoholism.
  • Increased selenium utilization by the body.

Health Conditions Associated with Selenium Deficiency:

  • Keshan disease (selenium-deficiency cardiomyopathy and heart failure).
  • Kashin-Beck disease (deforming osteoarthritis).
  • Degeneration of striated muscles.
  • Hypothyroidism, including:
    • Myxedema (severe hypothyroidism).
    • Cretinism (developmental disorder due to thyroid dysfunction).

Causes of Elevated Selenium Levels in Blood:

  • Occupational exposure to high selenium levels.
  • Excessive intake of selenium supplements.