Review - Selenium - Its metabolism and relation to exercise.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Human Physiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element discovered in 1818, crucial for human and animal development.
• Its role in human health gained attention in the late 1960s, linking it to various metabolic processes.
• Selenium is vital for thyroid hormone metabolism, immune function, and antioxidant defense by activating glutathione peroxidase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review selenium metabolism.
• To explore the relationship between selenium and physical exercise.
• To understand selenium's role in mitigating exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles on selenium.
• Analysis of selenium's biochemical functions.
• Examination of studies on exercise physiology and oxidative stress.

Main Results:

• Selenium acts as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, a key antioxidant enzyme.
• Exhaustive exercise increases oxidative stress in tissues like muscle and liver.
• Selenium's antioxidant properties suggest a protective role against exercise-induced damage.

Conclusions:

• Selenium is integral to antioxidant defense mechanisms.
• A significant relationship exists between selenium status and the body's response to exercise.
• Further research into selenium supplementation for athletes may be warranted.