Selenium

Selenium

Forty years ago it was discovered that selenium, a vital component of both humans and animals for food. This element is chemically similar to sulfur.



Selenium is an important part of those enzymes, which are the living cell's defense against free radicals are involved. Free radicals are reactive molecules that are unique to one or more electrons included. Highly reactive, corrosive materials. In our case, the organization's normal respiration and oxidation processes occur, but are produced in the environmental effects of cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, strong UV radiation (sunlight) will cause. Useful function to the immune cells are able to kill the bacteria.

The body's own cells, however, have adverse effects because they are bombarded with tiny projectiles as such, initiates a chain reaction in the membranes of our cells, the genes. It is assumed that the growth of cancer cells in the launch process responsible for DNA replication and RNA molecules are made by free radical damage plays a role. Because of selenium to the constituent enzymes that can neutralize free radicals, thus raised the possibility that the intake of selenium in the processes likely to develop cancer may be reduced. However, excessive intake of selenium may be toxic. The adult body needs selenium per day: 0.12 mg. This quantity of food that may be taken if the plants from the soil can absorb sufficient amount of selenium. The acid rain causes the soil selenium compounds are converted to a form from which the plants can absorb only a small amount. Foods that contain selenium: brown rice, whole-grain flour, wheat germ, sesame seeds, nuts.

Molybdenum in the Periodic Table of elements of atomic number 42. Since then, as an essential trace element, since it was found that several metal-containing enzyme present. The most important role of uric acid metabolism is involved in enzyme function. In animal studies it can be concluded that the lack of role in the formation of kidney stones containing xantint. General malabsorption or prolonged intravenous feeding may occur if the deficiency state.
Daily requirements: approx. 0.35 mg.
Main sources of molybdenum: cereals, dried pulses, meat and milk.