Could Selenium Supplementation Improve Asthma Symptoms?

Anyone who suffers from asthma or lives with someone who has asthma knows how frightening an asthma attack or episode can be. There is some preliminary research that suggests supplementing with selenium may improve asthma symptoms, but further studies are needed.

Asthma is an incurable and chronic disease that affects the airways. For those with asthma, the walls of their airways are inflamed and swollen. As a result, their airways are sensitive and react quickly and strongly to anything irritating, such as smoke, chemicals, inhaling cold air, pollution, allergens (pet dander, pollen, dust), strong odors (paint, scents) and food allergies.

During an asthma attack, the muscles around their airways tighten, the airways constrict or become narrower and less air can then flow to and from their lungs. Sometimes there's also an accumulation of mucous that interferes with the flow of air. Obvious symptoms are wheezing, a tightening in the chest, coughing and trouble breathing. Although an incurable condition, asthma can be controlled in most people.

Treatment includes working with a healthcare provider, of course, to develop an individualized prevention and treatment plan. Generally, that includes a plan to monitor symptoms, including the use of a peak flow meter, and the use of asthma medications. Knowing and avoiding one's individual asthma triggers is also key.

Asthma medications generally fall into two broad categories: controller medications and rescue medications. Controllers are used to prevent attacks by decreasing airway inflammation. Rescuers are for quick relief once an attack is underway; rescue medications help open up the constricting airways.

So, what about selenium supplementation?

Selenium is a trace mineral and an essential element that's found naturally in the soil, rocks and water. There are also many food sources of selenium, including butter, brewer's yeast, wheat germ brewer's yeast, wheat germ, garlic, grains, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, raisins, liver, shellfish, fresh-water and salt-water fish, burdock root, fennel seed, ginseng, raspberry leaf, radish, horseradish, onion, chives and reishi and shiitake mushrooms.

The trace element selenium is necessary to maintain good health. Research has determined that people with asthma tend to have low blood levels of selenium. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a 2004 study of 24 asthmatics who were given selenium supplements for 14 weeks had significant improvement in their symptoms when compared to a control group given a placebo. Although this is a small study done over a short amount of time, it's encouraging.

In the UK, researchers surveyed some 1,500 adults as to their eating habits, including their intake of antioxidant enzymes such as selenium, zinc and copper. What they found was that selenium had a positive affect on asthma symptoms. This is according to information on the AsthmaWorld website.

The US recommended daily intake of selenium is 55 micrograms. However, more studies are needed to determine if selenium supplementation is safe, in what amounts it's safe, and if it is indeed effective for those with asthma. Although the theory is that selenium may protect against asthma by suppressing airway inflammation, it's probably best to obtain selenium through diet. rather than with with supplementation, until there is more conclusive research.

Resources:

University of Maryland; http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/asthma-000015.htm

AsthmaWorld,org; http://www.asthmaworld.org/SeGluPer.htm