Selenium

# What is selenium? Selenium is an essential trace element and supports the immune system, is responsible for activating thyroid hormones and plays an important role in detoxification processes. As a component of antioxidant enzymes, selenium protects cells and reduces oxidative stress. Selenium is also responsible for the production of sperm, improves sperm motility and is an important trace element for male fertility. Selenium is mainly stored in the liver, kidneys, bones and muscles. Selenium levels are primarily regulated by the kidneys, which filter excess selenium from the blood and excrete it in the urine. A selenium deficiency can manifest itself in tiredness, muscle pain, joint pain, immune deficiency or mood swings. A severe deficiency affects the thyroid gland, heart muscle and liver function. An excess should also be avoided. Typical symptoms of an excess of selenium are a garlic-like smell from the breath, exhaustion, tiredness, gastrointestinal complaints, hair loss and brittle hair and fingernails. It is virtually impossible to get too much selenium from food. ## Examples of selenium-rich foods: > ## Good to know > > Selenium is one of the most important antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. These are often the start of numerous diseases. Eye diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer are among them, as are multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease (caused by the attack of free radicals on nerve cells) and Alzheimer's disease (caused by the attack on brain cells). Chronic inflammatory processes such as: Arthritis, ulcerative colitis or thyroid inflammation are triggered by free radicals. Supplementation with antioxidants, including selenium, can reduce oxidative stress and have a positive effect on these diseases. # What does genetics have to do with it? We are investigating three genes for selenium metabolism: The DMGDH gene (dimethylglycine dehydrogenase gene) carries the blueprint in cells for the enzyme dimethylglycine dehydrogenase, which converts selenium into a form that can be utilized by the body. Variants in the DMGDH gene can influence the activity of the enzyme and affect the processing of selenium in the body. - Variant rs11960388 of the DMGDH gene: The genotype A/A shows an increased selenium level. Genotypes A/T and T/T show normal selenium levels. The SEP15 gene (SELENOF; selenoprotein F gene) carries the blueprint for the selenium-containing protein SEP15 in the cells, which acts as a transport protein for selenium. It is involved in the uptake, transport and distribution of selenium in the body. Variants of the SEP15 gene can influence selenium status and selenium availability. - Variant rs5845 of the SEP15 gene: The genotype A/A shows a lower activity of the transport protein and a lower selenium level. This genotype carries a higher risk of selenium deficiency-related diseases, particularly in the lungs. The G/G and A/G genotypes show normal activity of the transport protein and normal selenium levels. - Variant rs561104 of the SEP15 gene: The genotype C/C shows an increased activity of the transport protein and an increased selenium level. Genotypes C/T and T/T show normal selenium levels. The SEPP1 gene (SELENOP; selenoprotein P gene) carries the blueprint for a selenium-containing protein in the cells, which is formed in the liver and secreted into the blood. This protein represents the majority of selenium in the blood. Genetic variants in the SEPP1 gene can influence selenium status and selenium availability. - Variant rs7579 of the SEPP1 gene: The genotypes T/T and C/T show low selenium levels. - Variant rs3877899 of the SEPP1 gene: The genotypes T/T and C/T show low selenium levels.