Selenium Reduces Oxidative Stress

The mineral selenium is an essential macronutrient, and is considered to be an antioxidant. Louise A. Savory, from the University of Bedfordshire (United Kingdom), and colleagues enrolled 10 normal weight and 10 overweight people in a study that administered to each subject a daily dose of 200 micrograms of sodium selenite for three weeks, or three weeks of placebo. At the end of three weeks, both groups received placebo for three weeks and then crossed over to the other group. The team observed that selenium supplementation associated with a 0.25 micromole per liter decrease in lipid hydroperoxide levels – an established indicator of oxidative damage in cell membranes, as compared to placebo, in the overweight participants immediately following exercise. Submitting that: “This study has highlighted a potential benefit of [selenium] in reducing [lipid hydroperoxide] levels postexercise in [overweight] individuals,” the researchers conclude that: “Given that oxidant stress is a predictor of coronary events, it is imperative to better understand oxidant stress-related responses to lifestyle factors (in particular “high-risk” population groups) and potential antioxidant therapy.”