Selenium And Your Thyroid: The Unsung Hero Of Hormone Health

Selenium And Your Thyroid: The Unsung Hero Of Hormone Health

Question 1. Biochemical functions of selenium
Answer:

• Along with vitamin E prevents the development of Hepatic necrosis & muscular dystrophy
• Maintains integrity of the membrane
• It is an essential component of glutathione peroxidase
• Protects cells against damage caused by hydrogen peroxide & free radicals
• Protects from carcinogenic chemicals
• Protects from toxic effects of heavy metals by binding to it
• 5-deiodinase, an enzyme containing selenium converts thyroxine to triiodothyronine
• Thioredoxin reductase, a selenoprotein is involved in purine metabolism

Question 2. Mention condition arising due to deficiency and excess of fluoride in the body
Answer:

Deficiency of Fluoride:

• Drinking water containing less Ilian 0.5 ppm of fluoride causes the development of caries in children

Excess of Fluoride:

• Excess of fluoride causes fluorosis

Types:

1. Dental fluorosis – it causes:

• Molding of enamel
• Discoloration of teeth
• Teeth become weak and rough
• Brown and yellow patches appear on their surfaces

2. Skeletal fluorosis- It causes

• Pathological changes in dead bone
• Mypercalcification
• Bone density of limbs, pelvis, and spine increases
• Ligament of the spine and collagen of bone gels calcified
• Neurological symptoms occur

3. Genu valgum

• It is an advanced stage of fluorosis
• Bones become stiff
• Individual is crippled