Stay Strong With Selenium

Almost all of us lose muscle strength as we age, and the resulting weakness puts us at increased risk of falls and disability. We’re more likely to need help, and may lose our independence and quality of life.

Adequate and regular exercise can help. So can getting enough vitamins D and E, and protein. And now, a new study points to a deficiency in the trace mineral selenium as a possible cause of muscle weakness in older people.

In the study, conducted in Italy, researchers checked the blood levels of selenium in nearly 900 people age 65 or older. They also tested hip, knee and grip strength. They found that those with the lowest blood levels had significantly decreased strength in all three areas, compared to those with the highest blood levels. This finding was independent of age, total food intake, and chronic disease.

Selenium is involved in the body’s production of at least 25 proteins, and is known to play an essential role in muscle function. It helps to protect cells and mitochondria from the oxygen-induced damage that occurs as a normal part of muscle use. It’s also needed for proper thyroid function. Severe deficiency leads to muscle weakness and degeneration of skeletal and heart muscle. So it may be that unrecognized insufficient intake may play a role in physical decline.

Liver, lobster, crabs and oysters, are great sources of selenium, as are Brazil nuts. Other good sources are whole grains, cereals, and meats. But levels in food, including meats, vary widely, and are dependent on the soil content in which the food was grown or the animal grazed, so a multi-vitamin-mineral that contains selenium is your best bet for getting an optimal amount. Aim for about 200 mcg of a readily-absorbed form, such as selenomethionine.

All of our Multi Nutrient Formulas contain 200 mcg of highly absorbable selenium as selenomethione (the most superior form). Made in the USA. See related items below.