Taking selenium supplements may help reduce the risk of
heart disease as a small human study shows that the antioxidative element
protects against oxidation of low density lipoprotein, the bad cholesterol,
which is known to be a risk for atherogenesis.
The Italian study of 14 healthy people found that when
taking a daily selenium supplement the subjects experienced less oxidative
modification of LDL compared to when taking no selenium supplement.
Without the supplementation, oxidatively modified
LDL would have a 2 percent increase after mealtime.
The major finding is that a 10-day supplementation of
selenium prevents the postprandial increase in both LDL minus and oxidation of
LDL in the subjects receiving selenium supplements, according to the
researchers from the
University of
Udine and the
University of
Padova.
Oxidative modification of LDL has been linked to increased
risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
"According to the most widely accepted theory of
atherogenesis, oxidatively modified LDL activates a series of cellular events
in the arterial wall ultimately leading to plaque formation," said lead
researcher Fausta Natella at the National Research Institute for Food and
Nutrition.
In the study reported in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism
and Cardiovascular Diseases, 14 participants aged 25 to 40 were assigned 110
micrograms per day of selenium in the form of selenium yeast. Blood samples
were drawn and analyzed before and after the 10-day supplementation.
In addition to the inhibitory effect on oxidation of LDL
cholesterol, selenium supplements also suppresses the production of
malondialdehyde, a reactive compound as an end product of liquid oxidation. Prior
to selenium supplementation, the compound in the blood would increase by 10
percent after meantime.
The recommended daily allowance for selenium is 55 micrograms
per day for adolescences aged 14 to 18 and adults older than 18.
The micronutrient is involved in many
important physiological functions.
Brazil nuts are known to be the food that contains the
highest level of selenium.
Other
selenium rich foods include shrimp, crab, pork, halibut and salmon.
High doses of selenium can be toxic.
Source:
Publication: Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases
Published on-line ahead of print, doi:
10.1016/j.numecd.2006.05.002
Title: "Selenium supplementation prevents the increase in
atherogenic electronegative LDL (LDL minus) in the postprandial phase"
Authors: F. Natella, M. Fidale, F. Tubaro, F. Ursini and C.
Scaccini
