Newly diagnosed cancer patients often lack selenium. Not only does this contribute to the development of the disease, but it also worsens the prognosis. An estimated one billion people worldwide are selenium-deficient and there are many things that can explain it. High-doses selenium supplementation of cancer patients seems to have a positive effect on their health and quality of life during rehabilitation, and the best effect is seen when blood selenium levels remain high, according to a German study published in Nutrients.

- atherosclerosis, and early death

Cholesterol is an essential compound with many different functions. However, it can also turn into a potentially dangerous substance if it oxidizes and is embedded in the blood vessel walls. This oxidative process is what eventually leads to atherosclerosis. The trace element selenium protects against atherosclerosis because of its antioxidant properties and because of other mechanisms, according to a review article published in Biomedicine. This is highly relevant in our part of the world where cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, and where selenium deficiency is so widespread.

Selenium is involved in enzymes that activate thyroid hormones. It is also part of several antioxidants that protect cells and the circulatory system from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, selenium is crucial for the optimal utilization of Q10, which plays a role in cellular energy metabolism. However, selenium intake in many European countries is too low, mainly due to depleted soil. At the same time, the body’s endogenous production of Q10 declines significantly with age. This can lead to metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis, fatigue, and other deficiency-related conditions. According to a follow-up study published in BMC Medicine, supplementation with selenium and Q10 has a positive effect on thyroid hormones, circulation, quality of life, and lifespan.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common underlying cause of hypothyroidism. It is characterized by extreme fatigue, weight gain, and a number of other symptoms. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition where antibodies attack the thyroid gland. Many people who get treatment for their disease don’t improve, on the contrary. According to a meta-analysis published in Medicine, however, selenium supplementation appears to be able to reduce the autoimmune reactions and the body’s production of the different antibodies. Selenium helps control the thyroid function but also serves as an antioxidant that protects the thyroid gland against oxidative stress.

Cholesterol-lowering statins are associated with side effects such as aching muscles, fatigue, memory problems, diabetes, and poor sleep. At a molecular level, these drugs interfere with the body’s synthesis of Q10, which we need for cellular energy turnover. Moreover, Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells against free radical damage. According to a review article published in the journal Cureus, Q10 supplements may lower side effects such as muscle pain.

Q10 is important for cellular energy turnover, and it is also a powerful antioxidant that protects cells and the circulatory system. We synthesize most of our own coenzyme Q10. According to a new in vitro study that is published in Scientific Reports, commonly used medical drugs such as the bisphosphonates, alendronate and zoledronate, for treating osteoporosis block the body’s Q10 synthesis, thereby impairing the energy production in cells, the antioxidant defense, and other metabolic processes. Earlier research has shown that cholesterol-lowering statins lower the endogenous Q10 synthesis, causing side effects such as tiredness, aching muscles, and impotence. It may therefore be a good idea for patients on this type of medication to take a Q10 supplement to prevent or mitigate the adverse effects.

Having too little selenoprotein P in your blood increases the risk of heart failure, according to a Swedish population study, in which the authors look closer at selenoprotein P’s role as a marker of the body’s selenium status and as a precursor of other selenoproteins. We need more than 100 micrograms of selenium daily to properly saturate selenoprotein P, but because the European soil is low in selenium it is difficult to get enough from the diet.

The body uses inflammation as part of its normal immune response to infections and tissue damage. If inflammation becomes chronic, however, it can be extremely dangerous. What happens is that it bombards the body with free radicals. This leads to oxidative stress and increases the risk of cell damage, overweight, and chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, and different cancer forms. Diet and lifestyle play a major role, and according to a meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, Q10 supplementation can lower several markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.