I received a submission from a fan in the background:
A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with late-stage cancer and is suffering in the hospital every day. I feel quite unsettled about it. I read online that selenium is a good helper in fighting cancer, but I’m not sure if it’s true. So I’d like to ask, is it okay to give selenium-containing supplements to cancer patients?
To address the fan’s doubts, let’s talk about “selenium” among trace elements today.
1. Selenium is known as the “king of cancer prevention.” Does it really have anti-cancer effects?
A research team from the University of Massachusetts Medical School published a study in “Nature Metabolism,” which found that during the growth process of cancer cells, a metabolic enzyme named SEPHS2 plays a crucial role, as it is essential for synthesizing selenocysteine, which is vital for cancer cells.
The study pointed out that if SEPHS2’s function can be interrupted, it could disrupt cancer cells’ use of selenium, ultimately causing them to die from excess selenium.
Cancer cells, due to their rapid growth and special metabolism, have a stronger dependence on selenium, and SEPHS2 is the key to their utilization of selenium. Although SEPHS2 is very important for cancer cells, it is not as critical in normal cells.
However, the research also indicated that while selenium has potential anti-cancer properties, there is still insufficient evidence that selenium supplementation can prevent cancer. For instance, a selenium supplementation trial involving about 35,000 men in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico required participants to take 200 micrograms of selenium daily, but no reduction in the incidence of prostate cancer was found.
In summary, selenium does offer some help in fighting cancer, but the effects are not miraculous. Friends should not overly rely on selenium; casually taking supplements to prevent cancer may do more harm than good.
2. What role does selenium play?
Selenium is an essential trace element for the human body. Although only a small amount is needed, it has significant effects.
1. Strengthened immunity
Selenium is a good helper for the immune system; adequate supplementation can help the body better resist bacteria and viruses. If there is insufficient selenium in the body, the immune system will weaken, making one more susceptible to illness.
2. Younger brain
A study from the University of Queensland found that selenium is particularly beneficial for the brain. It not only helps improve cognitive abilities in people recovering from strokes but also enhances learning and memory capabilities in aging brains.
3. Regulates thyroid hormones
Selenium is a component of iodine thyroid peroxidase (ID), which plays a key role in the activation and deactivation of thyroid hormones, regulating their levels in the body, and influencing metabolism and growth.
4. Healthier cardiovascular system
Selenium helps prevent atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Selenium proteins like GPX1 and TrxR1 have protective effects in cardiac tissues, reducing oxidative stress damage to the heart.
3. “In the dog days of summer, one should supplement selenium.” Eating these three foods can refresh and prevent heat.
As we enter the dog days of summer with high temperatures and humidity, the body tends to sweat more, leading to a loss of selenium through sweat, which accelerates selenium depletion.
When selenium is deficient, it can lead to health issues like Keshan disease (heart disease), male infertility, weakened immune function, and anorexia.
Dr. Yan Yageng, chief physician of the nutrition department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, reminds everyone that if they notice slow wound healing, hair loss, foul mouth odor, or rough skin, they should check if they are lacking selenium.
In fact, adults only need to intake 55 micrograms daily. To supplement selenium, one just needs to eat the right foods.
1. Seafood
Seafood such as fish, shrimp, crab, and shellfish generally contains high levels of selenium. Fish like tuna and salmon not only are rich in selenium but also high in Omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Whole grains
Compared to refined grains, whole grains like brown rice, oats, and wheat germ contain more selenium and other nutrients.
3. Jackfruit
Jackfruit contains 4.17 micrograms of selenium per 100 grams, which is 41.7 times more than that found in regular apples.
