Selenium Deficiency Raises Risk Of Osteoarthritis

Selenium is an amazing mineral that helps your body fight infections and reduces the risk of cancer. Not many people know it also helps protect against osteoarthritis. This is such a common condition, which causes a great deal of pain, suffering and immobility for millions of people.

This research was conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Thurston Arthritis Center. Researchers studied the knees of 940 participants enrolled in the Johnston County (N.C.) Osteoarthritis Project.

Interestingly, the scientists found that for every additional tenth of a part per million of selenium in volunteers’ bodies, there was a 15 to 20 percent reduction in their risk of knee osteoarthritis. Individuals who had less selenium than normal in their systems faced a higher risk of osteoarthritis in one or both knees. Additionally, the severity of their arthritis was related to how low their selenium level was.

According to study leader Dr. Joanne Jordan of UNC, "We are very excited about these findings because no one had ever measured body selenium in this way in relationship to osteoarthritis. Our results suggest that we might be able to prevent or delay osteoarthritis of the knees and possibly other joints in some people if they are not getting enough selenium. That’s important because the condition, which makes walking painful, is the leading cause of activity limitation among adults in developed countries." Knee joint replacement is one of the most common surgeries in older individuals, but not affordable for many.

It shouldn’t be too surprising that selenium would help prevent osteoarthritis if you realise selenium is a mineral that acts as a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger.  It is a great protector and detoxifier; this is because it is required for the production of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme necessary for detoxification and protection of the body against free radical damage. The protein n-acetyl cysteine is also necessary for glutathione production and helps all inflammatory health problems.

Selenium is actually not found in high enough quantities in many foods at all. Liver, kidney, Brazil nuts and seafood contain some selenium. Most of those items are certainly not commonly eaten foods. Also, the selenium in the food is determined by how much selenium was in the soil or the animal’s diet. In many parts of the world selenium levels are far too low. People suffering with a viral infection have a greater requirement for selenium, and can often become deficient very quickly.

To ensure that you are getting a good dose of selenium, it may be beneficial for you to supplement with a good quality selenium formula, such as Selenomune. This formulation contains three different forms of selenium, that have unique properties and health benefits. All three forms have been combined into Selenomune capsules to ensure you receive the best health benefit. Additional vitamins and minerals have been strategically added in to further support the health benefits of selenium in the body.

Vitamin D deficiency is another common trigger of arthritis and all autoimmune conditions. Vitamin D has natural anti inflammatory properties in the body. It helps reduce pain and reduce auto antibody production. We make vitamin D in our body when our skin is exposed to sunshine, but many people are deficient because they are not able to get adequate sunshine. It is important to ask your doctor for a vitamin D blood test and take a supplement if your level is too low.

For more information about arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, see our book called Healing Autoimmune Disease: A plan to help your immune system and reduce inflammation.

Reference: Study Links Low Selenium Levels With Higher Risk Of Osteoarthritis -- ScienceDaily

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.