Selenium and Memory
Selenium is extremely important to brain health. Research shows selenium could significantly boost the production of glutathione. Glutathione is believed to be one of the most powerful antioxidants in our body. Selenium may also protect the brain and boost memory and learning.
Selenium is associated with higher cognitive function.
A study compared 28 people with memory loss to 29 people with normal cognitive function. It found those with memory loss had significantly lower blood levels of selenium. It also observed deficient selenium intake in most of those who had memory loss (1).
A study of 2,000 people found a significant association with lower selenium levels and lower scores on cognitive testing. The researchers found a consistent, dose-dependent relationship with higher selenium intake and higher cognitive functioning (2).
Study shows positive effects of selenium on glutathione and C-reactive protein.
A 12-week study showed selenium intake to be associated with:
1) Significantly decreased c-reactive protein (a test where higher level indicates higher inflammation in the body).
2) Reduced insulin resistance.
3) Significantly higher levels of glutathione compared to placebo (3).
Inflammation and insulin resistance are both associated with memory loss.
Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants in our bodies. Antioxidant defense is becoming a strong focus when it comes to protecting brain longevity.
Additionally, selenium appeared to bring improvements in cognitive function and a significant increase in total antioxidant activity compared to placebo (3).
Selenium protects the brain.
Selenium is involved in most of the key molecular pathways relative to the progression of memory loss (4).
A study published in 2017 found a direct association between selenium levels and glutathione. It also found lower levels of selenium in patients who had memory loss compared to those who did not (5).
Another study found significantly lower levels of selenium in those with memory loss compared to those with normal cognitive function. The authors of this study suggest deficiency of selenium may contribute to cognitive decline among aging people as the data found a strong correlation between selenium exposure and cognitive function (6).
Aquilegy uses L-selenomethionine.
To ensure maximum absorption and efficacy, Aquilegy uses the most active form of selenium, L-selenomethionine.
References:
1) Cardoso, B. R., Ong, T. P., Jacob-Filho, W., Jaluul, O., Freitas, M. I., & Cozzolino, S. M. (2009). Nutritional status of selenium in alzheimer’s disease patients. British Journal of Nutrition, 103(6), 803–806. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114509992832
2) Gao, S., Jin, Y., Hall, K. S., Liang, C., Unverzagt, F. W., Ji, R., Murrell, J. R., Cao, J., Shen, J., Ma, F., Matesan, J., Ying, B., Cheng, Y., Bian, J., Li, P., & Hendrie, H. C. (2007). Selenium level and cognitive function in rural elderly Chinese. American Journal of Epidemiology, 165(8), 955–965. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwk073
3) Tamtaji, O. R., Heidari-soureshjani, R., Mirhosseini, N., Kouchaki, E., Bahmani, F., Aghadavod, E., Tajabadi-Ebrahimi, M., & Asemi, Z. (2019). Probiotic and selenium co-supplementation, and the effects on clinical, metabolic and genetic status in alzheimer’s disease: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition, 38(6), 2569–2575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2018.11.034
4) Du, X., Wang, C., & Liu, Q. (2015). Potential roles of selenium and Selenoproteins in the prevention of alzheimer’s disease. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 16(8), 835–848. https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026615666150827094936
5) Reddy, V. S., Bukke, S., Dutt, N., Rana, P., & Pandey, A. K. (2017). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the circulatory, erythrocellular and CSF selenium levels in alzheimer’s disease: A metal meta-analysis (Amma Study-I). Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 42, 68–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.04.005
6) Rita Cardoso, B., Silva Bandeira, V., Jacob-Filho, W., & Franciscato Cozzolino, S. M. (2014). Selenium status in elderly: Relation to cognitive decline. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 28(4), 422–426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.08.009