Selenium Strengthens Immunity and Helps Fight Viral Diseases Including COVID-19 and Influenza

Medical News: Selenium, a vital trace element found in soil, water, and food, has been gaining attention for its potential in preventing and treating various viral diseases. Researchers from Guangzhou Medical University in China have explored the link between selenium and viral infections, revealing how this essential nutrient plays a crucial role in boosting immunity, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting viral replication. This Medical News report delves into the significant findings of this study and their implications for global health.


Selenium Strengthens Immunity and Helps Fight Viral Diseases Including COVID-19 and Influenza

How Selenium Affects the Immune System
Selenium functions primarily through its incorporation into proteins called selenoproteins, which help regulate immune responses and provide antioxidant protection. The study highlights that selenium deficiency is associated with weakened immunity, increased susceptibility to viral infections, and higher rates of disease progression. It was found that selenium supports the body in the following ways:
 
-Enhancing the production of immune cells such as T-cells and natural killer cells
 
-Reducing oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals
 
-Supporting the function of glutathione peroxidase, a crucial antioxidant enzyme that protects cells from damage
 
The researchers note that selenium deficiency is often linked to higher rates of viral infections, including influenza, HIV, hepatitis B, and even severe cases of COVID-19.
 
Selenium and Its Role in Combating Viral Diseases
Several viral diseases have been studied concerning selenium levels, and the results suggest that adequate selenium intake can significantly impact disease progression and recovery rates.
 
Selenium and COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists observed a notable link between selenium levels and patient outcomes. In regions with naturally high selenium content in soil and food, the recovery rates from COVID-19 were significantly higher. Patients with sufficient selenium levels had stronger immune responses, lower oxidative stress levels, and better survival rates compared to those with selenium deficiency.
 
One of the key mechanisms behind selenium's protective role is its ability to support selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, which reduce inflammation and enhance cellular defense mechanisms. The study suggests that selenium supplementation could be a beneficial strategy in managing viral outbreaks.
 
Selenium and Influenza
Influenza, caused by highly contagious viruses, is another infection where selenium’s protective effects have been documented. Research has shown that selenium deficiency can lead to more severe cases of influenza, increased inflammation, and higher mortality rates. Studies on animal m odels demonstrated that selenium-deficient mice infected with the influenza virus experienced more lung damage and higher viral loads compared to those with adequate selenium levels.
 
The study also found that selenium supplementation can reduce influenza-related complications by inhibiting viral mutations and boosting the body's antioxidant defenses.
 
Selenium and HIV
For individuals living with HIV, selenium plays a significant role in managing disease progression. HIV patients with lower selenium levels tend to have faster disease progression and lower CD4+ T-cell counts, which are critical for immune function. Selenium supplementation has been found to slow down HIV progression by reducing oxidative stress, improving immune cell function, and decreasing viral replication.
 
Clinical trials have indicated that long-term selenium supplementation can improve survival rates among HIV-positive individuals, particularly those who are not yet receiving antiretroviral therapy.
 
Selenium and Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health concern, leading to liver disease and liver cancer. The study found that selenium can help inhibit the replication of HBV and reduce liver inflammation. A long-term study revealed that people who took selenium supplements had significantly lower rates of liver cancer, a common complication of chronic hepatitis B infection.
 
Selenium appears to work by enhancing the activity of tumor-suppressing proteins like p53 and p73, which help reduce the viral load and protect liver cells from damage.
 
Selenium and Coxsackie Virus
The coxsackie virus, which has been linked to heart conditions such as Keshan disease, is another virus affected by selenium levels. Research has shown that in selenium-deficient areas, coxsackie virus infections can mutate into more virulent forms, leading to severe health complications. Selenium supplementation has been found to reduce the severity of these infections and prevent virus-induced heart disease.
 
Mechanisms Behind Selenium’s Antiviral Effects
The antiviral properties of selenium are attributed to its ability to:
 
-Strengthen immune function by increasing T-cell production
 
-Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
 
-Inhibit viral replication by preventing virus-induced mutations
 
-Enhance the activity of critical selenoproteins that protect against cell damage
 
The study also suggests that selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) may offer new opportunities for targeted antiviral therapies, as they exhibit strong antiviral effects while minimizing toxicity.
 
Selenium Supplementation and Safety
While selenium is essential for immune health, excessive intake can be toxic. The recommended daily intake for adults is about 60 micrograms per day, with a tolerable upper limit of 400 micrograms per day. The study suggests that supplementation should be approached with caution and tailored to individual needs, especially in areas where selenium levels in food sources are already high.
 
Modern selenium supplements come in various forms, including organic selenium (selenomethionine), inorganic selenium (sodium selenite), and selenium nanoparticles. Organic selenium is generally considered more bioavailable and safer for long-term use.
 
Conclusion
The findings from Guangzhou Medical University underscore the vital role selenium plays in immune function and antiviral defense. From COVID-19 and influenza to HIV and hepatitis B, selenium has demonstrated its potential in reducing disease severity and improving recovery rates. The study highlights the importance of maintaining adequate selenium levels through diet or supplementation, particularly for individuals at higher risk of viral infections.
 
Future research should focus on optimizing selenium-based therapies, exploring new formulations such as selenium nanoparticles, and developing guidelines for safe and effective supplementation. As viral threats continue to challenge global health, harnessing the power of selenium could be a key strategy in strengthening immune defenses and reducing the impact of infectious diseases.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Interdisciplinary Medicine.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/INMD.20240074
 
For the latest on Selenium, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-new-american-researchers-uncover-the-importance-of-selenium-and-glutathione-supplementation-in-covid-19-as-sars-cov-2-mpro-targets-these
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/meta-analysis-study-shows-that-antioxidant-supplements-like-vitamin-c,-vitamin-d,-selenium-and-zinc-does-help-in-covid-19-clinical-outcomes-
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/selenium-plays-a-key-role-in-the-host-during-sars-cov-2-infections,-assisting-in-redox-homeostasis,-antioxidant-defense,-and-minimizing-oxidative-stre
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-supplements-study-shows-dietary-selenium-influences-outcome-of-covid-19-disease
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/selenium-helps-to-reduce-hiv-viral-loads-and-also-prevent-cd4-levels-from-declining
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/using-selenium-to-treat-multi-organ-fibrosis
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/selenium-s-potential-in-fighting-carcinogenesis
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/pages/thailand_doctors_listings