Evidence supporting the use of: Selenium
For the health condition: Free Radical Damage

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Selenium is used to support or treat free radical damage based on substantial scientific validation. Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a critical role in the body’s antioxidant defense system. Its biological importance largely comes from its incorporation into selenoproteins, especially glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases, which are key antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes catalyze the reduction of harmful peroxides and protect cellular components from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Numerous studies have shown that selenium deficiency can decrease the activity of these enzymes, leading to increased oxidative damage in tissues. Conversely, adequate selenium intake supports these enzymes’ function, enhancing the body’s ability to neutralize free radicals and limit cellular damage.

Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that selenium supplementation may enhance antioxidant capacity, particularly in individuals with low baseline selenium levels. However, evidence that selenium supplementation prevents or treats diseases caused by oxidative damage, such as cancer or cardiovascular disease, is more mixed. Some meta-analyses indicate modest benefits, while others do not find significant effects in well-nourished populations. Despite this, the mechanistic and biochemical evidence supporting selenium’s role in protecting against free radical damage is robust. Therefore, the justification for selenium’s use in combating free radical damage is primarily scientific, with a high level of mechanistic and moderate clinical support (rated 4 out of 5).

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Other ingredients used for Free Radical Damage

7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
acai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
alpha-carotene
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
amino acids
anthocyanins
apricot
ascorbyl palmitate
astaxanthin
astragalus
basil
berry flavor
beta-carotene
beta-tocopherol
bilberry
black currant
black garlic
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
broccoli
brussel sprouts
caffeine
camu camu
catalase
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
cauliflower
chokeberry
chrysin
coconut milk
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cryptoxanthin
turmeric
delta-tocopherol
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
flavonols
fruit blend (proprietary)
ginseng
grape
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
guarana
hesperetin
hesperidin
HMR lignan
l-carnosine
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-glycine
lentinula edodes mycelia
lutein
matcha
melatonin
mixed carotenoids
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
phenolic acids
phospholipids
pine bark
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
raspberry
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
selenium
spirulina
strawberry
ubiquinol
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
papaya
bee pollen
lingzhi
ferulic acid
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
polyphenols
fulvic acid
wheat germ
goji berry
algae
cocoa
1,2-di-galloyl-4,6hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
3-Isomangostin
5,7-Dimethoxyflavone
7,4-Dimethoxyflavone
Amethoflavone
Ankaflavin
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Auricularia
Autumn Olive
Antirrhinin
Avocado
Amentoflavone
Acacetin
Allophycocyanin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Ascorbigen
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Acer Truncatum bunge
anthocyanosides
Argan nut oil
Apocarotenal
Apocynin
Arctiin
Arjunolic acid
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bok Choy
Baccosides
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Benfotiamine
Basidiomycota
Betanin
berry
Brazil nut
boysenberry
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
Bioflavonoids
bacoside
Baicalin
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Carnosine
Chebulic acid
Cashew
Cichoric acid
Chocolate
Capsorubin
Carnosol
Cupric ascorbate
C-Phycocyanin
Carotene (unspecified)
Chebulinic acid
Crocetin
Canthaxanthin
Crypthecodinium
Capsanthin
Carnosic acid
Dunaliella salina
Dismutase
Delphinidin
Dunaliella
Dehydroascorbic acid
Dumontiaceae
Desoxyrhaponticin
Dragon Fruit
Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
Dihydrolipoic Acid
Diosmetin
Ellagic Acid
Emblicanin
Ecklonia
walnut