Evolved Reduced Utilization of Selenoproteins in Human Biochemistry?
by Beldeu Singh
Two researchers claim that seleno-proteins evolved during the course of evolution and there is an “evolved reduced utilization of selenium-containing proteins” and this evolved reduced utilization opens the question of selenium suplementation. The two US-based researchers - Alexey Lobanov and Vadim Gladyshev of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Dolph Hatfield of the National Institutes of Health - are quoted below:-
“Selenium-containing proteins evolved in prehistoric times. Several human disorders have been associated with a deficiency in the trace element, among them are Keshan disease, a heart disorder affecting primarily children in certain provinces of China where the soil is deficient in selenium, and Myxedermatous Endemic Cretinism, a rare form of mongolism attributed to deficiencies in selenium and iodine found in certain areas of Africa. Selenium supplementation was thought to be necessary to prevent these and other diseases even in the areas with adequate selenium supply. The evolved reduced reliance on selenium invites questions regarding the widely accepted use of supplements incorporating this trace element to maximize amounts of proteins that rely on it. Supplements are taken without knowing which groups of the population can benefit.
Brazil nuts are a source of copious amounts of selenium. Image credit: www.all-creatures.org
Gladyshev concludes:“The evolved reduced utilization of selenium-containing proteins in mammals raises important questions in human and animal nutrition. Selenoprotein expression is regulated such that people don’t need to rely so heavily on dietary selenium which is often present in excess amounts in the diet. Individuals should consider their age, sex and medical needs before taking such supplements on a regular basis”.
The four key issues in the above text are:-
1. Evolved reduced utilization of selenoproteins which is attributed to evolved reduced reliance on selenoproteins,2. Medical needs or basic biochemical need in healthy biochemistry,
3. Groups that can benefit from supplementation or selenium and glutathione therapy, and
4. Heavy reliance on dietary selenium that is often present in excess.
So far Beldeu Sing's introduction to his article.In it, he really goes into quite some detail on how these protective pathways need selenium to function properly. Having read it, my previous conclusion that someone who would steer us away from such an important element might not have our best interests at heart has only been greatly reinforced ...
And here's the article in PDF format - download and enjoy.
Evolved Reduced Utilization of Selenoproteins in Human Biochemistry?
posted by Sepp Hasslberger on Saturday August 23 2008
updated on Tuesday October 19 2010URL of this article:
http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/sepp/2008/08/23/evolved_reduced_utilization_of_selenoproteins_in_human_biochemistry.htm
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