Autism is a complex disorder that occurs in varying degrees. It is believed to result from alterations in brain development. There are several contributory factors, including nutrient deficiencies and exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy and early childhood. Blood samples from children with autism have revealed lower levels of selenium and zinc compared with healthy children, along with higher levels of aluminum - a metal regarded as a neurotoxin. This was demonstrated in a study published in Biological Trace Element Research. The combination of low levels of these two essential trace elements and widespread aluminum exposure may be a harmful mix that damages the brain and nervous system.
Cholesterol is a vital substance found in all cells and involved in many metabolic processes. Our bodies produce most of cholesterol according to its own needs, and the substance only becomes harmful if it oxidizes and gets embedded in the vessel walls. This has nothing to do with cholesterol levels being high or low. There is evidence that cholesterol-lowering statins inhibit the biosynthesis of Q10, vitamin D, vitamin K2, and several selenium-containing proteins. These compounds are important for energy production and serve as essential antioxidants that protect cholesterol from oxidative stress. Because of their reducing impact, statins often lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, oxidative stress, and other side effects that may eventually increase the risk of atherosclerosis, heart failure, and dementia. This is documented in numerous studies published over recent decades.
Magnesium is important for numerous physiological functions. In a new review article published in Nutrients, researchers have looked at the relation between the body’s magnesium levels and a variety of different ageing markers. Also, they hypothesize that optimal intake of magnesium throughout life is an easy and inexpensive way to obtain healthy ageing.
Lead is found in exhaust fumes, paint, batteries, ceramics, contaminated soil, contaminated food, and many other sources. We are all exposed to lead to some degree, and this environmental toxin accumulates in the body over time. Lead is primarily considered a neurotoxin, and symptoms of lead poisoning vary depending on the level of exposure. Lead seems to affect the gut microbiota as well as the body’s zinc utilization, which is important for cellular DNA and hundreds of enzymatic processes. Therefore, lead exposure can increase the need for zinc. This is reported in both an older article published in Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology and a more recent one published in Toxicology Letters.
There is a growing interest among scientists in selenium’s role in the brain and nervous system, and a placebo-controlled study published in Frontiers in Nutrition shows that seleniumsupplementation is useful as an adjuvant in migraine therapy. The study authors describe that oxidative stress may involved in migraine attacks and mention that selenium has a protective effect due to its role as an antioxidant. Earlier studies have shown that other antioxidants like Q10 and magnesium also have a therapeutic value by way of other mechanisms that may work synergistically.
During infections and trauma, the body triggers a series of inflammatory processes, which are also associated with cascades of free radicals and the risk of oxidative stress. In such cases, the trace element seleniumplays a crucial role: partly as a component of the immune system and in regulating inflammatory processes, and partly as a powerful antioxidant that counteracts damage to cells and tissues caused by free radicals. Evidence also suggests that selenium deficiency increases the risk of complications or severe outcomes from influenza, COVID-19, and other infections. The same applies to blood clots and physical trauma. Conversely, early selenium supplementation can reduce complications, shorten hospital stays, and lower overall mortality, as highlighted in a recent review article published in Antioxidants.
Traditional Christmas foods such as eggs, butter, and other fatty animal products contain cholesterol and are often criticized for the same reason. The fact is, however, that the body produces most of its own cholesterol as needed, since this vital substance is part of all cell membranes and is required for the synthesis of sex hormones, stress hormones, vitamin D, vitamin K2, and Q10. It is therefore important to realize that cholesterol only becomes dangerous to the cardiovascular system when it oxidizes and is damaged by free radicals and oxidative stress. Meanwhile, evidence suggests that vitamin E may improve cholesterol balance, circulation, and the gut microbiome. According to a recent study published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, these are areas that are closely connected. When it comes to maintaining the cardiovascular system and other tissues, it is essential to obtain sufficient antioxidants such as vitamins E, C, and A, as well as selenium, zinc, and other sources - not just during the Christmas season but all year round.
- including serious complications?
Older adults are more easily infected with influenza, COVID-19, and other infections and are also at greater risk that these infections will develop into complications such as pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can be potentially life-threatening. One major reason is chronic “inflammaging” caused by widespread deficiencies of vitamin D, vitamin C, selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and Q10. This not only increases the risk of infection but also the risk that the immune system will overreact with hyperinflammation, which is the real reason why respiratory infections and sepsis can become life-threatening. Overall, it appears that aging processes increase the need for specific nutrients, and if the immune system is well supplied, it will usually handle most pathogens without causing any symptoms.
