Natural mineral may help reverse memory loss (Selenium supplementation grows neurons)

Medical Xpress / University of Queensland / Cell Metabolism ^ | Feb. 7, 2022 | Odette Leiter et al

[ConservativeMind]

Selenium—a mineral found in many foods—could reverse the cognitive impact of stroke and boost learning and memory in aging brains, according to University of Queensland research.

Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) lead researcher Dr. Tara Walker said studies on the impact of exercise on the aging brain found levels of a protein key to transporting selenium in the blood were elevated by physical activity.

"We've known for the last 20 years that exercise can create new neurons in the brain, but we didn't really understand how," Dr. Walker said.

The research team investigated whether dietary selenium supplements could replicate the effects of exercise.

"Our models showed that selenium supplementation could increase neuron generation and improve cognition in elderly mice," Dr. Walker said.

"The levels of new neuron generation decrease rapidly in aged mice, as they do in humans.

"When selenium supplements were given to the mice, the production of neurons increased, reversing the cognitive deficits observed in aging."

Selenium is an essential trace mineral absorbed from soil and water and is found in foods such as grains, meat and nuts, with the highest levels found in Brazil nuts.

The scientists also tested whether selenium would have an impact on the cognitive decline sometimes experienced following stroke, which can affect people's memory and ability to learn.

"Young mice are really good at the learning and memory tasks, but after a stroke, they could no longer perform these tasks," Dr. Walker said.

"We found that learning and memory deficits of stroke affected mice returned to normal when they were given selenium supplements."

Dr. Walker said the results opened a new therapeutic avenue to boost cognitive function in people who were unable to exercise due to poor health or old age.

[oh8eleven]

Don't forget to read later

Mission accomplished, thx :)

[ViLaLuz]

Has it made a difference for you?

[Trillian]

My doctor put me on it to see if it would help with the nodules on my lymph nodes a few months ago. I have my appt tomorrow to talk about my neck ultrasound and how i’m doing on T3, so i’m not really sure yet. I’ve lost weight due to swelling and have less swelling in my face, but that’s probably due to the T3.

[Trillian]

I’m not sure, this is the first time i’ve bought their supplements. I posted a link in 29 that has a lot of info about their company (since 1960).

[Magic Fingers]

“...vitamin D has no recognized benefits beyond 4,000 icu...”

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There is by no means universal agreement about that.

[ViLaLuz]

Praying for good results!

[iceskater]

Hmmmm...... I wonder if supplementing with selenium would be helpful after TBI?

[TTFX]

vitamin D has no recognized benefits beyond 4,000

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If one takes that amount permanently the blood level is on average higher than anyone claims is needed for a benefit.