Selenium-ACE

[Nutritional Advisers Product Information]

Overview

Selenium-ACE has been formulated to combine the trace element selenium with antioxidant vitamins A,C and E to help enhance the daily intake of these protective nutrients.

Interaction of selenium and vitamins A, C and E

Selenium appears to work synergistically with vitamin E, which plays an important part in protecting lipids whilst vitamin C is more effective in aqueous solutions. Vitamin C potentiates vitamin E by freeing it up from complexes with free radicals so that it can be used over and over again. Vitamin A helps to keep the body's mucous membranes such as those of the digestive tract and respiratory tract more resistant to infective agents. Combining the trace element selenium with vitamins A, C and E may provide an effective formulation for the enhancement of the body's antioxidant screen.

Selenium -General information

Facts in short

• Selenium is an essential trace element required only in microgram doses by the human body
• daily requirement and toxic doses are not widely separated (daily safe level 450 micrograms for male adults/toxic dose 900 micrograms)
• until 1969 selenium was mostly associated with its induction of blind staggers and 'alkali disease' in sheep and cattle in areas with high selenium levels
• the reason for its late recognition as an essential element is the overlap of its action with vitamin E, which made it more difficult to elucidate the exact function of selenium. (1958 Schwarz and Foltz)

Function of selenium

Selenium is required as a co-factor for the enzymes glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase. These enzymes form part of the body's antioxidant enzyme systems that deal with the neutralisation of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides.

Research indicates that the various antioxidant enzymes enhance the body's ability to deal with free radicals, which are destructive molecules or atoms created by pollutants such as cigarette smoke, smog or exposure to ultraviolet light for example. It appears that oxidative damage is a common denominator in the ageing process as well as certain major diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, cataract and macular degeneration. (1)

In addition, research shows that the mineral selenium exerts antioxidant activity in its own right as well as being required for immune system function. Selenium has been shown to enhance T-cell responses, antibody synthesis and to protect immune cells. This trace element has the ability to alter platelet aggregation by decreasing the ratio of thromboxane to leukotriene production and to act as an antagonist to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, aluminium and cadmium. (2) Recently a link between selenium status and mood has been suggested, particularly in connection with its role in thyroid function. (3) Selenium also plays a role in spermatogenesis. (4)

Common deficiency signs and symptoms

Age spots, cancerous changes, cataracts, heart disease, infections, muscle inflammation, pale finger nail beds and pancreatic insufficiency.

Toxicity Symptoms

These can be caused by the ingestion of 900 micrograms of selenium per day over a prolonged period of time. Toxicity symptoms include nausea and vomiting, garlicky odour on the breath, hair loss, abnormal nail growth and loss of fingernails.

Food Sources and Availability of Selenium

Brazil nuts, grain, fish, meat (offal)

Selenium enters the food chain through plants. The amount absorbed depends on soil selenium content, chemistry, microbes and rainfall.

The trace element selenium in Wassen Selenium-ACE is provided in the form of high selenium yeast, which would appear to be a form that is similar to that found in cereal grains.

As the soil levels of selenium vary, it is difficult to guarantee that a sufficient amount may be obtained from the diet in spite of a good general diet. Grain is an important source for selenium, however, as this staple food is now sourced from Europe rather than the United States or Canada it would appear that it has become a less prominent one. Generally the intakes of selenium in Europe are low compared to those in the United States. (2)

The Function of Vitamins A, Beta-carotene, C and E

Vitamin A

The best-known function of vitamin A is its importance for eye health, especially in relation to night blindness. However, it also is essential for the maintenance of healthy mucous membranes throughout the body particularly in the digestive tract and lungs, making them more resistant to the invasion of undesirable pathogens. Vitamin A is essential for growth and differentiation, which explains its importance for both male and female fertility. (5)

Beta-carotene

Classed as one of 500-600 carotenoids, which are a widespread group of naturally occurring pigments in nature. Beta-carotene displays provitamin A activity, allowing the body to convert it to vitamin A, but also possesses antioxidant activity including in low oxygen environments. (5,6,7)

Vitamin C

This vitamin is classed as a water phase antioxidant, which also regenerates vitamin E. Research studies indicate that vitamin C has an immune boosting effect in those who have low intakes of this vitamin. In addition it is important for the synthesis of procollagen of connective tissue cells, especially during periods of growth. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) formation may require ascorbic acid as sulfate carrier. Strong connective tissues plays a part in making the body more resistant to unwanted micro organisms and increase the resilience of certain body tissues to wear and tear. An example is the pressure exerted on arteries by blood pressure. The adrenal medulla is one of the tissues with the highest vitamin C concentration, where this vitamin is involved in the production of hormones closely linked with stress control. (5)

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a lipid phase antioxidant, playing an especially important role in all cell membranes where it protects unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. This vitamin has also been linked to healthy muscle function and fertility in both males and females. (5)

Conditions where selenium and antioxidants have been found helpful

Arthritis

According to J. R. O'Dell et. al, 101 patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis were found to have significantly lower serum selenium concentrations, than 29 normal, healthy controls. It is speculated that selenium concentrations might modulate the effects of viral or other types of infections in subjects with the appropriate genetic background. Therefore selenium deficiency might enhance the development or progression of rheumatoid arthritis. (8)

A. Peretz et al. conducted a study to test the effect of selenium supplementation on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) sufferers. They concluded that the administration of selenium in addition to conventional treatment was beneficial in RA patients and that the clinical applications of selenium supplementation deserve to be explored on a larger scale, not only in rheumatic diseases but also in various inflammatory diseases and immune disturbances. (9)

Immunology

Luke Olmsted, Gerhard N. Schrauzer, Manuel Flores-Arce and Jim Dowd outline the possibility that with sufficient administration of the trace element selenium the body's system, which fights viruses is enhanced. (10)

Howard T. Petrie et al. describe 'in vitro' experiments using selenium, which indicate that this trace element has a positive effect on immune regulation and that it enhances certain immune function, which may explain its protective effect against cancer. (11)

A three and a half year study was carried out by Marianna K. Baum at el. measuring specific immunologic and nutritional factors on survival in HIV-1 disease. The results indicate that selenium deficiency is an independent predictor of survival for those with HIV-1 infection. (12)

Oncology

Larry Clark at the Arizona Cancer Centre, USA, carried out a study to establish the effect of 200 mcg selenium (in the form of selenium yeast) on basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin. This multi-center, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled cancer prevention trial involved a total of 1312 patients with a history of basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas of the skin, and lasted from 1981 to 1993. Selenium treatment did not protect against the development of basal or squamous cell carcinomas of the skin. However, significant reductions were observed in total cancer mortality, total cancer incidence and incidences of lung, colorectal and prostate cancers. (13)

Opthalmology

Allen Taylor et al. describe how antioxidant vitamins E, C and betacarotene along with glutathione peroxidase protect the lens of the eye and thus help prevent or delay the onset of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. (14)

Geriatrics

A group of 22 elderly institutionalised subjects were assigned to a 6-month trial with either 100 mcg of selenium yeast or placebo on a daily basis. Plasma concentrations of the selenium supplemented group increased from 0.84 ± 0.26 to 1.55 ± 0.33 mmol/L after two months and the values plateaued thereafter. In accordance with previous studies in animals and in vitro, this investigation demonstrates for the first time immunostimulatory properties of selenium-enriched yeast in elderly humans. (15)

In the paper entitled "Antioxidants and immune response in aged persons: overview of present evidence" Simin Nikbin Meydani et al. outline that increased oxidative stress possibly due to lower consumption of antioxidant nutrients contributes to the decline of T cell-mediated function in aged persons. Increased intake of some antioxidant nutrients (vitamin E, beta-carotene and glutathione) enhances the immune response in aged persons. (16)

Pancreatitis

According to this study, in three cases of pancreatitis, amongst those who were supplemented with antioxidants, further attacks were held at bay during a 5-year follow-up period. (17)

This double-blind double-dummy crossover trial showed that those given antioxidant nutrients whilst suffering from a form of pancreatitis did not have an attack whilst some of those on placebos did. In this study it was expressed that micronutrient antioxidant therapy offers a new approach to the treatment of recurrent (non-gallstone) pancreatitis and /or pancreatic pain. (18)

The case history of a 10-year old boy with calcific pancreatitis is reported. His theophylline clearance of 450ml/kg/h was several times higher than normal, indicating induction of cytochromes P450. Painful attacks disappeared concurrently with administration of antioxidants. The possible relevance of these findings is discussed in the context of chronic pancreatitis in childhood. (19)

Cardiology

Nigel G. Stephens et al. carried out a study to assess the effect of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) in the inhibition of oxidation of low density lipoprotein and thus its possible role in the prevention of atherosclerosis. It was concluded that in patients with angiographically proven symptomatic coronary atherosclerosis, alpha-tocopherol treatment substantially reduces the rate of non-fatal myocardial infarction, with beneficial effects apparent after 1 year of treatment. (20)

Jukka T. Salonen et al., carried out a longitudinal study in Finland involving a cohort of middle aged men who were followed up for 24 months. The researchers investigated the interaction between serum copper, selenium and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations with regard to the progression of carotid atherosclerosis. The data obtained during this study provided evidence of a synergistic effect of copper (a pro-oxidant), a low serum concentration of selenium and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration in atherogenesis. (21)

General

A comprehensive overview of the role of selenium in human health by Dr. Margaret Rayman of Surrey University can be found in the July 2000 issue of The Lancet. (22)

Professor A. T. Diplock outlines the role of antioxidants in practice. In this article he describes the underlying biochemistry and reviews evidence suggesting that the antioxidant nutrients may prove to be of great significance as prophylactic agents. (23)

References:

1. E. Cheraskin, Antioxidants in Health and Disease: The Big Picture, Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Vol. 10, No. 2, 1995

2. R. C. McKenzie, T. S. Rafferty, G. J. Beckett, Selenium: an essential element for immune function, TRENDS Immunology Today, Vol. 19, No. 8, pp 342-345, 1998

3. L. Sher, Role of thyroid hormones in the effects of selenium on mood, behavior, and cognitive function, Medical Hypotheses, Vol. 57, 4, pp 480-483, 2001

4. Wallace E., Calvin H. I, Ploetz K., Cooper G. W., Functional and developmental studies on the role of selenium in spermatogenesis, Selenium in biology and medicine, Combs G. F., Levander O.A. Spallholz J.E. Oldfield J. E. eds., Vol. A. New York: AVI, 1987; 181-96

5. M. C. Linder (Editor), Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism with Clinical Applications, Prentice-Hall International Inc. 1991

6. C. L. Rock, R. A. Jacob, P. E. Bowen, Update on the Biological Characteristics of the Antioxidant Micronutrients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E and the Carotenoids, J. Am. Diet. Assoc. Vol. 96, pp 693-702, 1996

7. Veris Research Information Service, Carotenoids Fact Book, 1996 Veris, La Grange, IL USA

8. James R. O'Dell, Susan Lemley-Gillespie, William R. Palmer, Arthur L. Weaver, Gerald F. Moore, Lynell W. Klassen, Serum selenium concentrations in rheumatoid arthritis, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 1991, Vol. 50, pp376-378

9. Peretz, J. Mevet, J. Duchateau, J.P. Pamaey, Letters to the Editor, British Journal of Rheumatology, 1992, Vol., 31, pp281-282

10. Olmsted L., Schrauzer Gerhard N., Flores-Acre Manuel, Jim Dowd, Selenium Supplementation of Symptomatic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patients, Biological Trace Element Research, 1989, Vol. 20, 59S-65S

11. Howard T. Petrie, Lynell W. Klassen, H. David Kay, Selenium and the Immune Response: 1. Modulation of Alloreactive Human Lymphocyte Functions in Vitro, Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 1989, Vol. 45, 207S-214S

12. M. K. Baum et al., High Risk of HIV-Related Mortality Is Associated With Selenium Deficiency, Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology, Vol. 15, pp 370-374, 1997

13. Larry C. Clark, Effects of Selenium Supplementation for Cancer Prevention in Patients With Carcinoma of the Skin, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), December 25, 1996, Vol. 276, No 24, 1957S-1963S

14. Allen Taylor, Paul F. Jacques, Esther M. Epstein, Relations among ageing, antioxidant status, and cataract, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1995; 62(suppl) 1439S-47S

15. Anne Peretz et al., Lymphocyte response is enhanced by supplementation of elderly subjects with selenium enriched yeast, American J. Clin. Nutr., 1991; 53: 1323 -8.

16. Simin Nikbin Meydani, Dayong Wu, Michelle S. Santos, Michael G. Hayek, Antioxidants and immune response in aged persons: overview of present evidence, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1995; Vol. 62(suppl):1462S-76S

17. David Sandlands, Iona J. M. Jeffrey, Najib Y. Haboubi, Ian A. M. MacLennan, Joan M. Braganza, Abnormal Drug Metabolism in Chronic Pancreatitis, Gastroenterology, 1990, Vol. 98, 766S-772

18. S. Uden, D. Bilton, L. Nathan, L.P. Hunt, C. Main & J.M. Braganza, Antioxidant therapy for recurrent pancreatitis: placebo-controlled trial, Aliment. Pharmacol. Therap., 1990, Vol. 4, 357S-371S

19. J.M. Braganza, A. Thomas and A. Robinson, Antioxidants to treat chronic pancreatitis in childhood? International Journal of Pancreatology, 1988, Vol. 3, 209S-216S

20. Nigel G. Stephens, Ann Parsons, Peter M. Schofield, Frank Kelly, Kevin Cheeseman, Malcolm J. Mitchinson, Morris J. Brown, Randomised controlled trial of vitamin E in patients with coronary disease: Cambridge Heart Antioxidant Study (CHAOS), The Lancet, 1996, Vol. 347, 781S-786S

21. Jukka T. Salonen, Kari Seppänen. Marjatta Kantola, Sirpa Suntioinen, Heikki Korpela, Interactions of serum copper, selenium and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in atherogenesis, British Medical Journal, 1991, Vol. 302 pp756-759

22. M. P. Rayman, The importance of selenium to human health, The Lancet, 2000, Vol. 356, No. 9225, pp233-241

23. A.T. Diplock, The role of antioxidants in clinical practice, British Journal of Clinical Practice, 1990, Vol. 44, 257S-258S