Selenium is an essential microelement, which needed for antioxidative and detoxicative protection of the body. Because selenium is a synergist of vitamin Е, it can increase antioxidative activity of this vitamin. Selenium participates in iodine metabolism, because in the absence of selenium-containing enzymes the body cannot produce Т3, the thyroid hormone, which is needed for the normal physical and psychological development of the body in general and especially of the central nervous system.
Selenium is a constituent of proteins in the muscle tissue including myocardium. It improves elasticity of the vascular walls, blood fluidity, and transport of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, and also normalizes the arterial pressure. The use of selenium during the first weeks and months after myocardial infarction promotes a rapid formation of scar tissue and assists in patient’s recovery.
Selenium increases protection against viruses and other pathogenic factors; studies have also shown that it has a pronounced effect on the increase in production of the major immune cells: leukocytes, lymphocytes, antibodies, macrophages, and interferon.
Selenium plays an important part in maintaining skin health. It helps decrease melanin production, which can significantly reduce skin pigmentation. Selenium becomes incorporated into the lipid fraction of cellular membranes and has a stabilizing effect, protecting the skin cells from the damage caused by heavy metals and free radicals. Selenium is also responsible for skin elasticity; it protects the skin from aggressive action of ultraviolet light and slows ageing processes in the skin.
Among vitamins ascorbic acid belongs to the first line of protecting the organism against most aggressive radicals causing oxidative stress and cell destruction. In particular, vitamin C captures the free radicals before they reach the cell membrane, and thereby protects cells against damage. That is why it plays a leading role in antioxidant protection of brain cells.
Ascorbic acid protects lipoproteins (cholesterol) oxidation of low density, which in turn prevents the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of the oxidized blood vessel blockage and damage.
It is found that vitamin C participates in strengthening the immune system and protect the body from viral infections.
In addition, vitamin C protects eye retina cells from oxidation, preventing the development of cataracts. However, ascorbic acid is the antioxidant effect manifested sufficiently in the presence of eye tissues other antioxidants – Vitamin E and glutathione.
We should not forget the fact that vitamin C is involved in the formation of collagen and elastin proteins. Thus, it plays an important role in updating the connective tissue and maintaining the health of joints and muscles.
