Selenium’s principal function is to inhibit the oxidation of lipids (fats) as a component of the intracellular enzymes glutathione peroxidase.
It is a vital antioxidant, especially when combined with vitamin E. It protects the immune system by preventing the formation of free radicals and destroys lipid peroxides that form and are released into cells.
Oxidation is the metabolic process by which fats, carbohydrates and preteens are converted to carbon dioxide, water and energy, burned to produce the energy needed for body functions.
However, oxidation of the body’s structural and functional component is harmful. The body must have a antioxidant defense mechanism to protect it from oxidation-induced damage. Selenium have a closely associated with vitamin E in its mode of function as a major component of this mechanism.
Glutathione peroxides occurs mainly in the cytosol and reduces peroxides before they can attack cell membranes, whereas vitamin E acts within the membrane itself as a second line of defense.
Selenium deficiency and vitamin E deficiency are so interrelated that it is usual to refer to the diverse group of disorders ascribed to their deficiencies as vitamin E-selenium deficiency.
Selenium and vitamin E complementary roles
