Most of the useful physiological effects of selenium are related to the biochemical role of selenium as a component of selenoproteins which, in addition to other functions, are the important antioxidant enzyme systems in the human body. Selenium deprivation has been associated with various pathologic conditions including cancer, thyroid disorders, infections, infertility and cardiovascular diseases. Selenium replenishment in deficiency conditions appears to have immune-stimulating effects and supplementation with selenium has been shown to be associated with lower incidence of some cancers. (Rawal Med J 2010;35:237-241).
Key words: Selenium, Glutathione peroxidase, selenoproteins.
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