A new study found increasing dietary intakes of Selenium for women who had Type 2 diabetes was associated with longer telomeres, which are considered to be a marker of biological aging.
Data for over 850 individuals was analyzed from the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). Each of the individuals used for the analysis had an average age of 61and suffered from Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that for each 1 mcg increase in Selenium female participants saw their telomeres length increase by 1.84 base pairs. This relationship was found to be linear in the range of 0-250 mcg. Men did not show the same results.
The lifespan and aging of healthy normal cells are linked to a telomerase shortening mechanism which limits cells to a fixed number of divisions. During cell replication, the telomeres ensure cells chromosomes do not rearrange or fuse with each other which may lead to diseases like cancer. With every cell replication the telomeres shorten. When the telomeres are totally consumed, the cells are destroyed (apoptosis). Prior studies have shown that telomeres are highly susceptible to inflammation and oxidative stress. Some Researchers believe telomere length is a maker of biological aging.
Other studies have associated Selenium intake with telomere length. A 2020 study published in Clinical Nutrition found increased telomere length in middle aged and older Americans when Selenium intakes were increased. This study is the first to link the association of Selenium with telomere length in diabetics.
Selenium is an essential micronutrient and is also considered to be an antioxidant. This mineral is part of the 25 selenoproteins in the body that have diverse roles in healthy sperm, thyroid function, and immune support. Data from prospective studies show potential reduction in the risk of developing a number of different types of cancer with Selenium supplementation. Additionally Selenium is the only mineral that qualifies for a FDA approved qualified health claim for general cancer reduction.
Further studies are needed.
Here is some more information on Selenium:
Selenium:
Selenium is also essential for a healthy and normal immune response. A Selenium-containing protein with antiviral properties, Glutathione Peroxidase 1 (GPX1) is among the enzymes most impacted by Selenium status.
A Selenium deficiency has been shown to increase a person’s susceptibility to influenza, hepatitis B and C, West Nile virus as well as hantavirus infections. In a study done on mice, there was a 75% mortality rate in the Selenium-deficient mice with the mortality rate reduced to 25% in mice receiving Selenium supplementation. More severe lung pathologies were seen in animals with influenza infections and Selenium deficiencies.
The risk of infections not only are increased in individuals with low Selenium levels, but low Selenium levels also aid in the emergence of new more virulent flu strains. Children with H1N1, a highly infectious type of influenza, were shown to have low blood levels of Selenium. A 45% decrease in GPX1 activity along with a 245% increase in C – reactive protein levels (a marker of inflammation) was seen in children infected with H1N1 compared to the control group. A population study also found individuals living in areas with Low Selenium levels in China had a four – to fivefold higher COVID-19 death rate than those people living in areas where the population had a high Selenium level.
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