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Some studies suggest that selenium and vitamins (A, C, E) can protect against renal injury, improve reproductive health, and enhance immune response, while other studies indicate no significant benefits for arthritis or prostate cancer prevention.
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Selenium and vitamin E are essential nutrients known for their antioxidant properties, which play a crucial role in maintaining immune function. Studies have shown that supplementation with these nutrients can increase their concentrations in the blood, although the impact on immune function can vary. For instance, supplementation of Merino ewes with vitamin E and selenium increased the levels of these nutrients in both ewes and their lambs but did not significantly improve the lambs' immune function or survival rates.
Selenium and vitamin E have been studied for their potential in cancer prevention due to their antioxidant properties. Research indicates that these nutrients can inhibit cell transformation induced by radiation and chemical carcinogens through different mechanisms. Selenium enhances cellular scavenging systems and peroxide breakdown, while vitamin E provides protection through complementary mechanisms. However, large-scale clinical trials, such as the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT), found that neither selenium nor vitamin E reduced the incidence of prostate cancer, and vitamin E was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
In reproductive health, selenium and vitamin E have shown promising results. A study on infertile women with occult premature ovarian insufficiency (OPOI) demonstrated that supplementation with these nutrients significantly increased anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, antral follicle count (AFC), and mean ovarian volume (MOV) after 12 months, indicating improved ovarian reserve and function. Similarly, in male dogs with lowered fertility, selenium and vitamin E supplementation enhanced the antioxidant status of spermatozoa and improved semen quality.
The effectiveness of selenium and vitamin E in treating arthritis has been explored, but the results are inconclusive. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials found no convincing evidence that these nutrients are effective in treating any type of arthritis. The studies reviewed were generally of poor quality and produced contradictory findings, particularly for vitamin E in the treatment of osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis.
Selenium combined with vitamins A, C, and E has been evaluated for its protective effects against renal injury induced by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). This combination of antioxidants, along with other medications like verapamil and losartan, was studied to assess its potential in mitigating renal damage, although specific outcomes of this study were not detailed in the provided data.
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of selenium and vitamin E in enhancing immune responses, particularly in the context of viral infections like COVID-19. Selenium is crucial for maintaining T cell function and antibody production, while vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, potentially reducing the severity of infections. These nutrients, along with vitamin C, have been suggested to improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients by boosting immune function and reducing inflammation.
Selenium and vitamin E are vital nutrients with significant antioxidant properties that contribute to various aspects of health, including immune function, reproductive health, and potentially cancer prevention. While some studies show promising results, particularly in reproductive health and immune support, others, such as those related to cancer prevention and arthritis treatment, present mixed or inconclusive findings. Further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations of these nutrients in different health contexts.
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