Why Selenium Is Important For The Immune System And What We Do Differently
As you may remember from our articles on copper, boron or vitamins C & E, antioxidant enzymes are important for the immune system, a long life and a healthy metabolism. Antioxidant enzymes are important for the killing of microbes (which includes bacteria and viruses) (1). Selenium helps produce an antioxidant enzyme, which is why it is deemed essential for the immune system (2). It is well documented that selenium deficiency is associated with higher susceptibility to RNA viral infections (such as COVID-19) and more severe disease outcomes (3). For example, an 80% reduction in the number of deaths from hantavirus was observed with selenium supplementation (4).
A study on AIDS/HIV-related death found an inverse correlation between the death rates and selenium intake, whereby more selenium was related to less death (5). Clinical trials of selenium in AIDS/HIV have found benefits (6) (7) (8) (9).
For COVID-19, a study looking at 17 Chinese cities found that the higher the selenium levels of the population, the faster their recovery rates from the disease were (10). In fact, the city with the highest selenium levels had a three times faster recovery rate (10). This implies having higher than normal selenium levels, may offer more protection from the harmful effects of viral infections (11).
A German study found there was a strong correlation between coronavirus outcome and selenium levels in hospitalized patients. 65% of those who died had low selenium levels compared to 39% of those who survived (12). In our opinion this may not seem like much, but it definitely supports the idea that if one were to have multiple nutrient deficiencies, these could greatly contribute towards a higher risk of death. Elderly people seem to be at higher risk of selenium deficiency (13), which may partly explain the link between being old and experiencing a poor COVID-19 outcome (Side note: As we explain in our zinc article, low zinc may also explain the link between age and COVID-19 mortality). The elderly people with the highest levels of selenium were also more likely to be fit and healthy (14).
In many European populations, people do not consume enough selenium to meet the minimum requirement of 70micrograms/day (15). It is estimated that up to 14% of people worldwide (about 1 billion) are not consuming this minimum requirement (16). This is not taking into account that optimal amounts of selenium for the immune system may be higher than 70micrograms/day. The Chinese city with the fastest recovery rates from COVID-19 had an estimated intake of 550 micrograms (17). 550micrograms is still above the upper limit intake of 400micrograms, so we do not suggest aiming for such a high intake long term. Intakes of over 400micrograms may cause depletions of other nutrients long term (24).
We have opted for 200micrograms of selenium because over a period of 2-4 years trials have shown this level to be safe and effective for the immune system of HIV patients (7) (8) (9) and the elderly. Giving 200micrograms to the elderly was found to reduce viral infection rates and deaths from cardiovascular disease (18) (19).
When it comes to supplementation organic forms of selenium such as selenomethionine are retained better than inorganic forms of selenium (20) (21) (22). They have also been found to be safer (23). Most multivitamins will contain the inorganic forms, whereas we have decided to use what seem to be the safer, better retained version of selenium. This is also why we use the organic forms of copper, zinc and iron (as you can read in our articles).
----------------------------
For more information about how taking the ThinkPharm Formula would improve your life check out our other articles about how it was designed.
For a vitamin supplement that doesn’t profit from your misinformation and actually tries to improve your health, get your hands on the ThinkPharm Formula. Check out the formula on our product page.
----------------------------
Disclaimer: Food supplements are intended to correct nutritional deficiencies, maintain an adequate intake of certain nutrients, or to support specific physiological functions. The ThinkPharm Formula (or any other food supplement) is not a medicine and therefore cannot and does not claim to treat or prevent disease. All content on this website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. None of the scientific studies quoted on this website qualify as proof or implication that ThinkPharm Health's supplements treat or prevent disease. Findings of scientific studies do not always represent reality. It is always difficult for scientific studies to reach accurate conclusions regarding nutrition and its relationship to diseases. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet and lifestyle. ThinkPharm Health is not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting on information from this website.
Health claims you can trust
All the health claims that are listed below and on our supplement package have been authorised by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The EFSA reviews the evidence on different vitamins and minerals to ensure that there is enough evidence to make certain health claims.
Although the UK is no longer part of the EU it still relies on the EFSA's judgement for legally allowed claims.
Below are all the health claims we are allowed to use for the ThinkPharm Formula based on the abundance of evidence.