Oxidative stress plays a central role in many imbalances related to aging, environment, and modern lifestyles. Certain essential nutrients help support the body’s natural defense systems.
Selenium: A Key Trace Mineral
Selenium is an essential trace mineral required in small amounts, yet crucial for many biological functions.
It acts as a cofactor for important enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, one of the body’s primary antioxidant defense systems.
Its roles include:
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protecting DNA, proteins, and lipids
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supporting the immune system
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contributing to thyroid function
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protecting the nervous system
It also helps:
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strengthen hair and nails
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reduce breakage through its antioxidant effects
Studies suggest beneficial effects on thyroid health and overall recovery processes in the body.
Lycopene: A Powerful Protector
Lycopene is a carotenoid primarily found in tomatoes.
Its benefits include:
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cardiovascular protection
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support for prostate health
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strong antioxidant activity
It also plays a role in skin health:
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contributes to natural photoprotection
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helps improve tolerance to sun exposure
Astaxanthin: An Exceptional Antioxidant
Astaxanthin, derived from microalgae, is one of the most powerful antioxidants known.
It:
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protects mitochondria
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reduces inflammation
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supports cardiovascular health
Its effects include:
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improved skin hydration and elasticity
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reduced appearance of wrinkles
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protection against sun-induced oxidative stress
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reduced eye fatigue
A Powerful Synergy
Combining these three compounds allows for:
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comprehensive cellular protection
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support for skin, hair, and eye health
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reduction of oxidative stress
About Pierre Haddad
Pierre S. Haddad holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Montreal. For over 40 years, he has conducted scientific research in Quebec and internationally (Austria, United States). For more than 25 years, his work has focused on natural health products, traditional medicine, and the mechanisms of action of medicinal plants, particularly in the context of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. He has received numerous awards and distinctions from academic, research, and complementary medicine communities. He currently serves as Interim Scientific Director at Maison Jacynthe.
REFERENCES
Selenium
Hu Y, Feng W, Chen H, Shi H, Jiang L, Zheng X, Liu X, Zhang W, Ge Y, Liu Y, Cui D. Effect of selenium on thyroid autoimmunity and regulatory T cells in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A prospective randomized-controlled trial. Clin Transl Sci. 2021 Jul;14(4):1390-1402. doi: 10.1111/cts.12993. Epub 2021 Apr 9. PMID: 33650299; PMCID: PMC8301566.
Pereira ME, Souza JV, Galiciolli MEA, Sare F, Vieira GS, Kruk IL, Oliveira CS. Effects of Selenium Supplementation in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 5;14(15):3205. doi: 10.3390/nu14153205. PMID: 35956381; PMCID: PMC9370215.
Kong XQ, Qiu GY, Yang ZB, Tan ZX, Quan XQ. Clinical efficacy of selenium supplementation in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 May 19;102(20):e33791. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033791. PMID: 37335715; PMCID: PMC10194801.
Huwiler VV, Maissen-Abgottspon S, Stanga Z, Mühlebach S, Trepp R, Bally L, Bano A. Selenium Supplementation in Patients with Hashimoto Thyroiditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Thyroid. 2024 Mar;34(3):295-313. doi: 10.1089/thy.2023.0556. Epub 2024 Feb 16. PMID: 38243784; PMCID: PMC10951571.
Filippini T, Fairweather-Tait S, Vinceti M. Selenium and immune function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental human studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2023 Jan;117(1):93-110. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2022.11.007. Epub 2022 Dec 19. PMID: 36789948.
Jenkins DJA, Kitts D, Giovannucci EL, Sahye-Pudaruth S, Paquette M, Blanco Mejia S, Patel D, Kavanagh M, Tsirakis T, Kendall CWC, Pichika SC, Sievenpiper JL. Selenium, antioxidants, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2020 Dec 10;112(6):1642-1652. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa245. PMID: 33053149; PMCID: PMC7727482.
Huang JF, Hsu CP, Ouyang CH, Cheng CT, Wang CC, Liao CH, Wu YT, Hsieh CH. The Impact of Selenium Supplementation on Trauma Patients-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 14;14(2):342. doi: 10.3390/nu14020342. PMID: 35057521; PMCID: PMC8780440.
Sajjadi SS, Foshati S, Haddadian-Khouzani S, Rouhani MH. The role of selenium in depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human observational and interventional studies. Sci Rep. 2022 Jan 20;12(1):1045. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-05078-1. PMID: 35058530; PMCID: PMC8776795.
Lycopene
Chen P, Zhang W, Wang X, Zhao K, Negi DS, Zhuo L, Qi M, Wang X, Zhang X. Lycopene and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Aug;94(33):e1260. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000001260. PMID: 26287411; PMCID: PMC4616444.
Song B, Liu K, Gao Y, Zhao L, Fang H, Li Y, Pei L, Xu Y. Lycopene and risk of cardiovascular diseases: A meta-analysis of observational studies. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017 Sep;61(9). doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201601009. Epub 2017 Apr 27. PMID: 28318092.
Césarini JP, Michel L, Maurette JM, Adhoute H, Béjot M. Immediate effects of UV radiation on the skin: modification by an antioxidant complex containing carotenoids. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2003 Aug;19(4):182-9. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0781.2003.00044.x. PMID: 12925189.
Astaxanthin
Ng QX, De Deyn MLZQ, Loke W, Foo NX, Chan HW, Yeo WS. Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies. J Diet Suppl. 2021;18(2):169-182. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2020.1739187. Epub 2020 Mar 23. PMID: 32202443.
Davinelli S, Nielsen ME, Scapagnini G. Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2018 Apr 22;10(4):522. doi: 10.3390/nu10040522. PMID: 29690549; PMCID: PMC5946307.
Bjørklund G, Gasmi A, Lenchyk L, Shanaida M, Zafar S, Mujawdiya PK, Lysiuk R, Antonyak H, Noor S, Akram M, Smetanina K, Piscopo S, Upyr T, Peana M. The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions. Molecules. 2022 Oct 23;27(21):7167. doi: 10.3390/molecules27217167. PMID: 36363994; PMCID: PMC9655540.
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