Zinc
Zinc is one of the most relevant minerals to human health, because of its antioxidant properties. Plays a protective role against oxidative stress. Zinc acts as a co-factor for important enzymes involved in the proper functioning of the antioxidant defense system. In addition, zinc protects cells against oxidative damage, acts in the stabilization of membranes and inhibits the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH-Oxidase). Zinc also induces the synthesis of metallothioneins, which are proteins effective in reducing hydroxyl radicals and sequestering reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in stressful situations, such as in type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancer. Literature provides strong evidence for the role of zinc in the protection against oxidative stress in several diseases.
Zinc is one of the essential minerals for human health because it serves as a co-factor for over 300 enzymes and 2000 transcription factors. Zinc is an important mediator of cellular signaling. It acts primarily to enhance insulin action. As an anti-inflammatory agent, zinc provides structural stability to cell membranes and it is also an important regulator of gene expression.
It is important to note the ability of zinc to compete with iron and copper in the binding sites present in the cell membrane. Iron and copper ions can catalyze the production of radicals from lipid peroxides. In this way, the replacement of iron and copper by zinc could prevent the formation of highly reactive radicals because zinc is catalytically inert.
Research has shown the role of zinc deficiency in causing oxidative damage and, consequently, endothelial dysfunction. Zinc deficiency in endothelial cells enhances the inflammatory response mediated by cytokines and lipids, possibly via mechanisms associated with increased cellular oxidative stress. In contrast, zinc supplementation exerts a protective role against damage to the vascular system. The mechanisms by which zinc protects the blood vessels include the regulation of Nrf2, a transcription factor important for the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and for the induction and expression of metallothionein.
Selenium as Sodium selenate
Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and helps defend your body from chronic conditions, such as heart disease and cancer. This has been attributed to selenium’s ability to reduce DNA damage and oxidative stress, boost your immune system, and destroy cancer cells.A review of 69 studies that included over 350,000 people found that having a high blood level of selenium was associated with a lower risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers.
A diet rich in selenium may help keep your heart healthy, as low selenium levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. In an analysis of 25 observational studies, a 50% increase in blood selenium levels was associated with a 24% reduction in the risk of heart disease. Selenium may also lower markers of inflammation in your body — one of the main risk factors for heart disease. For example, a review of 16 controlled studies including over 433,000 people with heart disease showed that taking selenium supplements decreased levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP).Additionally, it increased levels of glutathione peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant.
Oxidative stress is believed to be involved in both the onset and progression of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s. Several studies have shown that patients with Alzheimer’s disease have lower blood levels of selenium.
Selenium is important for the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. In fact, thyroid tissue contains a higher amount of selenium than any other organ in the human body. This powerful mineral helps protect the thyroid against oxidative damage and plays an essential role in the production of thyroid hormones.
Selenium plays an important role in the health of your immune system. This antioxidant helps lower oxidative stress in your body, which reduces inflammation and enhances immunity.Studies have demonstrated that increased blood levels of selenium are associated with enhanced immune response. On the other hand, deficiency has been shown to harm immune cell function and may lead to a slower immune response
