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Selenium

Meaning

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that functions as a critical component of selenoproteins, a class of enzymes vital for antioxidant defense and thyroid hormone metabolism throughout the body. Clinically, adequate selenium status is necessary for optimal thyroid function, as it is required for the activity of deiodinase enzymes that convert the inactive T4 hormone into the active T3 hormone. This micronutrient also plays a significant role in immune function and protecting cells from oxidative damage.