Guest guest Posted September 20, 2005 Report Share Posted September 20, 2005 Selenium has been found to be essential for healthy immune function. Some viruses that are normally benign become pathogenic in those who are selenium deficient. This mechanism has been hypothesized by some to account for new mutant strains of influenza virus in China each year. Selenium has been shown to play important roles in T-cells and natural killer cells among other immune components. Deficiencies in selenium are associated with numerous adverse effects on immune function, including decreased CD4/ CD8 T-lymphocyte ratios and impaired phagocyte function. Selenium supplementation has been shown to enhance T-cell responses, to stimulate antibody production and to partially reverse age-related cellular immunosuppression. Selenium supplementation has increased responsiveness to interleukin-2 (IL-2) in some studies. Supplementation also protects immune cells from oxidative damage in some instances. In one study, selenium supplementation reduced the incidence of hepatitis-B-induced hepatoma among those with low selenium status. Selenium status is predictive of survival time in some with AIDS, according to another study. Some have suggested that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may have been abetted in crossing the species barrier into humans in areas of Africa where selenium deficiency was prevalent. More research is needed and is ongoing with respect to supplemental selenium's role in immune function. Best regards, Carol _______________________________ Never Accept Only Two Choices in Life. The problems of Today cannot be solved by the same thinking that created them. -Al Einstein. Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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