Zinc and Selenium: what they are used for, properties and benefits

In the field of nutrition and health, zinc and selenium play a crucial role in maintaining physical well-being, particularly for the normal functioning of our immune system. Only careful selection of components, combined with the assurance provided by clinical studies, can ensure the production and development of effective, targeted dietary supplements that meet the real expectations of consumer.

In this article we will explore in detail the role of zinc and selenium in dietary supplementation, highlighting their proprieties and the benefits they bring to our bodies.

Zinc and selenium: what they are and properties

Selenium and zinc are two trace elements that are essential for the well-being of our bodies: within the body, in fact, they play a preponderant role, especially for their antioxidant properties that are useful in supporting immune defenses. They are found distributed throughout the human body: in the blood, tissues, and organs and contribute to a wide range of enzymatic reactions and metabolic processes.

Zinc helps stabilize both membranes and other cellular components, as well as maintain organ integrity. Playing a crucial role in cell division, it is critical for growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. On the other hand, selenium, as a component of numerous proteins (so-called selenium-proteins), is involved in a variety of essential biological functions, including DNA synthesis, thyroid hormone metabolism, defense against infection, and the reproductive process.

What are the benefits of zinc?

Zinc is an element that supports numerous functions of the human body. It plays a major role in cell metabolism, protein synthesis, wound healing, cell division, and the maintenance of an efficient immune system. Zinc supplementation is indicated as it helps preserve normal immune cell activity, making the body better able to fight infection.

What are the benefits of selenium?

Selenium, like zinc, plays a key role in protecting the body from infection and oxidative stress through its antioxidant properties. It, in fact, can defend cell membranes from oxidation and, by serving as a key component for enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and thioredoxin disulfide reductase (Trx), offers effective protection against cardiovascular disease. In addition, there is a strong relationship between selenium and thyroid hormones, as this element is deputed to convert thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3). It therefore proves to be an excellent ally of thyroid health.

Supplements with Zinc e Selenium

Zinc and selenium supplementation can therefore significantly improve immune defenses and the body’s response to pathogens. In response to the growing demand for products that help maintain normal immune system function, having these types of supplements in their offerings represents a major growth opportunity for companies.

Supplementation to boost the immune system is proving to be a real need for consumers, especially for those in times of increased vulnerability or in situations where the diet does not provide adequate amounts of these essential trace elements.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we can confidently state that zinc and selenium are two fundamental pillars of human nutrition and possess a significant impact on immunity and overall well-being.

For pharmaceutical companies, focusing on supplements to boost the immune system can be a winning strategy that can meet the needs of an increasingly health- and wellness-conscious market.

Cor.Con. International, a food supplement company for distributors and pharmaceutical companies, has developed the supplement Colostrum, which, with its rich composition of immunoglobulins (Ig) and growth factors from bovine colostrum, is an excellent complement to a balanced diet and to a targeted supplementation regimen to protect our immune defenses.