Selenium, the 34th element in the periodic table, may not be as familiar to most people as hydrogen and oxygen. However, as one of the essential trace elements of the human body, selenium plays an irreplaceable role in life activities. Today, we will uncover the mystery of selenium and explore its secrets.
Selenium exists in a variety of forms, including selenide in the earth's crust, dissolved in natural water, and even in the atmosphere. In nature, its form and concentration are affected by a variety of factors such as geological environment, climatic conditions, etc. Although it is not abundant on Earth, it is quite widely distributed in rocks, soil, water, and air.
The biological importance of selenium was first discovered and stems from a livestock disease called "alkali disease". The disease is caused by livestock eating selenium-rich plants, which draw nutrients from soils with high selenium content. Since then, the relationship between selenium and life and health has attracted great attention from scientists.
Selenium is a component of several important enzymes, which are collectively known as selenoproteinases. Selenoplastin plays an important role in the human body in antioxidants, regulating the immune system, and preventing cardiovascular diseases. For example, glutathione peroxidase is a selenoproteinase that removes hydrogen peroxide and other harmful substances from the body and protects cells from oxidative damage.
The biological effects of selenium are closely related to its chemical properties. Selenium has a variable valence state and can play different roles in different biochemical reactions. Because of this, selenium exhibits unique catalytic activity and efficient antioxidant capacity during metabolism in living organisms.
However, although selenium is essential for human health, excessive selenium intake may cause selenium poisoning. Selenium poisoning can cause a series of symptoms such as hair loss, brittle nails, ** lesions, and even life-threatening in severe cases. Therefore, maintaining a moderate amount of selenium intake is essential for health.
The recommended daily intake of selenium varies from person to person, but adults typically need about 55 mcg of selenium per day. Food** includes Brazil nuts, fish, meat, poultry, eggs and some vegetables and grains. It is important to note that the selenium content of soils varies greatly in different regions, which directly affects the selenium content of local foods. In some areas with low selenium levels, it may be necessary to ensure adequate selenium intake by supplementing with foods or selenium supplements that contain higher selenium content.
As research deepened, scientists also found that selenium has anti-cancer effects. Laboratory studies have shown that selenium can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, induce apoptosis of cancer cells, and enhance the body's immunity to cancer cells. Although the anti-cancer mechanism of selenium is not fully understood, it shows great potential in cancer prevention and**.
The secret of selenium as an important trace element goes far beyond that. Its distribution in nature, its function in living organisms, and its impact on human health are all complex and fascinating topics. Through in-depth research on selenium, we can not only better understand the phenomena of life, but also provide a scientific basis for the healthy development of human beings. The story of selenium is still continuing, and its mystery is waiting for us to unveil step by step.