Zinc, Selenium And Vitamin C

Zinc, selenium and vitamin C each perform various functions within the body, but they are all antioxidants. In other words they all fight against the damage that free radicals cause to the cells and tissues, damage that can lead to cancer and cardiovascular disease. Zinc and selenium are only needed in trace amounts, but all three can be consumed in the diet.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace element, or a mineral needed for growth and development but only in very small amounts. It is used for the metabolism of protein, to maintain the structure of the membranes of cells and is part of over 200 metalloenzymes, according to Daren Heyland, M.D., Associate Professor at Kingston General Hospital in "Principles of Critical Care." Metalloenzymes are proteins that have metal in their structure and serve to speed up the time in which a reaction will take. Zinc also protects the tissues against oxidative damage.

Selenium

Like zinc, selenium is a trace mineral. As part of an enzyme, it removes iodine from thyroid hormones and breaks down the products of polyunsaturated fatty acids, as explained in "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" by Larry Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., Attending Physician at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. There are some studies that suggest that having a low amount of selenium may be associated with cancer. Other studies show that giving selenium to children who have Down syndrome may help them to avoid contracting bacterial infections. Also like zinc, selenium is an antioxidant.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another antioxidant, and it performs several other functions as well. It is vital for the immune system, increases the absorption of iron, which is needed for metabolizing the connective tissues and helps metabolize drugs. Vitamin C also helps change substances called dopamine and norepinephrine, which the nerves use to send signals. It also helps make several hormones and a substance the cells need to make energy.