Selenium is a trace mineral that your body requires in minute amounts called micrograms. Selenium takes part in several enzyme reactions, forming a variety of compounds, known as selenoproteins. One selenoprotein is the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase, an important antioxidant used by the liver. Another selenoprotein contributes to the reaction that forms active thyroid hormone. Scientific research has revealed information on selenium's role in prevention and treatment of heart failure. Use selenium to treat a heart or other medical condition only with your doctor's supervision.
Healing Time
Selenium supplementation may speed recovery from a heart attack, according to a study published in the April 2011 issue of the journal "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research." In the study in laboratory animals, diets were supplemented with two dose levels of selenium -- 0.05 mg and 1.5 mg per kilogram of body weight -- for five weeks. The high-dose group showed less heart damage and improved healing of heart tissue compared to the low-dose group. The high-dose group also had lower markers of tissue damage and improved antioxidant activity levels. The researchers concluded from the results that selenium supplementation at levels achievable in the diet can improve heart structure and function by reducing beta stress.
Oxidative Damage
Diets supplemented with high levels of selenium resulted in lower levels of oxidative damage to the heart in a study on laboratory animals with high blood pressure published in the October 2010 issue of the journal "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research." In this preliminary animal study, diets supplemented with 1,000 mcg of selenium per kilogram of food reduced death from heart failure by 100 percent.
Stress-protective Effect
Selenium protected heart tissue from damaging effects of an immune-suppressing compound in a study on laboratory animals published in the January 2010 issue of the journal "Regulatory Peptides." In the study, which tested two types of selenium molecules, both forms of selenium decreased levels of an enzyme involved in the production of their transmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which promote efficient heart function. The researchers concluded that selenium supplementation may be helpful in protecting the heart from some types of stress-induced damage.
Cautions
The University of Maryland Medical Center says that while it is known that low selenium levels may lead to heart failure, evidence for the use of selenium in heart disease is inconclusive. Selenium combined with other antioxidants can improve cholesterol levels, though it has not been shown to influence the progression of heart disease. Additionally, selenium supplementation of 200 mcg per day may help some conditions, but long-term use of high levels of selenium may increase risk of diabetes.
References
- "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research"; Dietary Selenium Intake Influences CX 43 Dephosphorylation, TNF-a Expression and Cardiac Remodeling after Reperfused Infarction; S. Tanguy et al.; April 2011
- "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research"; Effect of Dietary Selenium on the Progression of Heart Failure in the Aging Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat; R.S. Lymbury et al.; October 2010
- "Regulatory Peptides"; Role of Selenium Compounds on Tyrosine Hydroxylase Activity, Adrenomedullin and Total RNA Levels in Hearts of Rats; Z.S. Talas et al.; January 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Selenium
- Linus Pauling Institute: Selenium
