Selenium and copper
- 2. SELENIUM Selenium is an essential constituent of several important proteins in the body such as glutathione peroxidase, plasma selenoprotein P, muscle selenoprotein W, and selenoprotein found in the prostate and placenta. Selenium is an antioxidant and can enhance tocopherol activity. It protects membranes from oxidative destruction. It catalyzes the following reaction: ROOH+2GSH→ROH+H2O+GSSG
- 3. Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) RDAs for infants is 14 μg/day RDAs for lactating women is 70 μg/day RDAs for both men and women is 55 µg/day
- 4. FOODS RICH IN SELENIUM Eggs Fish Ham Brazil nuts Chicken Sea food Brown rice Mushrooms Cashews Sunflower seeds Spinach Oatmeal Milk & yoghurt Lentils Bananas Cottage cheese Baked beans Pork Beef
- 5. IMPORTANCE OF SELENIUM Selenium is an essential trace element and is of fundamental importance to human health. As a constituent of selenoproteins, it has structural and enzymatic roles and is best-known as an antioxidant and catalyst for the production of active thyroid hormone. Selenium is needed for the proper functioning of the immune system. It appears to be a key nutrient in counteracting the development of virulence and inhibiting HIV progression to AIDS. It is required for sperm motility and may reduce the risk of miscarriage. Deficiency has been linked to adverse mood states.
- 6. COPPER Copper is a component of a number of oxidoreductase enzymes (cytochrome oxidase, superoxide dismutase, tyrosinase, uricase, amine oxidase). In blood plasma, it is bound to ceruloplasmin, which catalyzes the oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ . This reaction is of great significance since it is only the Fe3+ form in blood which is transported by the transferrin protein to the iron pool in the liver. Copper is even less desirable than iron during food processing and storage since it catalyzes many unwanted reactions. Cu2+ -Ions are taste bearing. The threshold value 2.4–3.8mg/l was determined with aqueous solutions of CuSO4 or CuCl2. It is a cofactor in many enzymes including phenolase and is at the active center of hemocyanin, an oxygen carrying protein in some arthropods.
- 7. RDA for adult men and women is 900 μg/day. The amount of copper in the body is 80–100 mg/day. Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs)
- 8. FOODS RICH IN COPPER Seafood Mushrooms Tofu Sweet potatoes Sesame seeds Cashews Chickpeas Salmon Eggs& meats Beans Spinach Sundried-tomatoes Quinoa Spirulina Dark chocolate Avocados Leafy greens Nuts
- 9. IMPORTANCE OF COPPER Copper is not produced by the body so it must be obtained from your diet. Copper has many health benefits Copper is required in iron metabolism, neuro-endocrine function, immunity, and cell renewal. Boosts Brain Health Promotes Energy Maintenance Supports Immunity Supports Metabolism Protects the Heart Boosts skin health