The widespread selenium deficiency in Europe increases the risk of infections, inflammatory bowel disorders, and abnormal cell development. In a new review article published in Nutrients, the authors look at selenium’s role in the highly developed immune defense. This includes the immune defense’s communication, which is vital for our ability to fight off viruses and germs swiftly and directly, and for avoiding unwanted inflammation that can become potentially life-threatening. Selenium also serves as a very effective antioxidant that protects cells and their DNA against oxidative damage. In addition, selenium has a number of anti-cancer mechanisms.

The condition of our skin means a lot to our appearance and health, and being deficient in one or several nutrients can cause premature skin ageing. Also, things like poor wound healing, acne, herpes infections, yeast infections, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin disorders may occur. In a review article published in Medicina, scientists have looked at the role of vitamins A, C, E, D, and biotin plus omega-3 fatty acids in skin health. Studies suggest that selenium and zinc may also be important for healthy skin and anti-ageing. If you don’t get enough of these nutrients or if you simply have an increased need for them, you may consider taking a supplement.

Active vitamin protects us against virus infections in a number of different ways. Vitamin D also controls the inflammatory processes and prevents them from becoming complicated. In a review article published in World Journal of Virology, scientists have pored over multiple meta-analyses and placebo-controlled studies that show a clear relation between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza. Being vitamin D-deficient can also increase the risk of these infections turning into SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) that can result in potentially life-threatening circulatory failure and organ failure. Apparently, vitamin D plays an important and overlooked role in the prevention of virus infections.

Lack of vitamin D is a global health problem. The same is the case with overweight and hypertension, a combination that results in millions of deaths. Apparently, supplementing with vitamin D can lower blood pressure in people who are overweight, according to a study that is published in Journal of Endrocrine Society. It is important to be aware of the interactions between vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.

Vitamin D is important for the hormone system and our sleep, but certain environmental toxins like phthalates, bisphenol A, and triclosan can disrupt our hormone balance and sleep quality. Lack of vitamin D can even exacerbate the harmful effect of the hormone disruptors and, according to a study published in Nutrients, this may have a negative impact on our sleep.

Cholesterol-lowering statins are associated with side effects such as aching muscles, fatigue, memory problems, diabetes, and poor sleep. At a molecular level, these drugs interfere with the body’s synthesis of Q10, which we need for cellular energy turnover. Moreover, Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells against free radical damage. According to a review article published in the journal Cureus, Q10 supplements may lower side effects such as muscle pain.

Vitamin D is important for calcium uptake and bone health. According to a placebo-controlled follow-up study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, children whose mothers supplemented with vitamin D during their pregnancy continue to have stronger bones, even at the age of seven years.
The pregnant women in the study took 25 micrograms of vitamin D, which is more than twice the officially recommended intake. It is generally important for the child’s health that its mother has optimal vitamin D levels in the blood during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Magnesium is vital for your health and quality of life in many ways. Still, around 30 percent of the population is believed to be magnesium deficient. This can either be because of an inadequate dietary intake of the mineral or because the body excretes too much magnesium due to stress, medication, chronic ailments, and other causes. Magnesium deficiency, which is difficult to diagnose, increases the risk of osteoporosis, infections, insomnia, cardiovascular diseases, overweight, diabetes, stroke, cancer, neurological disorders, and many other things, according to a review article published in Clinics and Practice. The authors list magnesium’s many functions and suggest supplementation as a convenient and inexpensive way to avoid a serious and widespread health problem.

Omega-3 fatty acids are very important for brain development, mental health, vision, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, regulation of inflammation, and other functions. In most countries, the omega-3 consumption is too low, according to a large global update where scientists have measured the concentration of the two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in the red blood cells. Too little omega-3 increases the risk of cognitive impairment, depression, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular ailments, and early death. Also, pregnant women risk premature delivery or giving birth to a baby with lower IQ. It is important that health authorities are aware of this so they can encourage people to improve their health to reduce the huge burden of all these chronic diseases.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common and very painful wrist condition. Although there are many underlying factors, chronic inflammation appears to be the main cause of the pain. It also looks as if the pain can be relieved with high-dosed vitamin D supplements, at least in those patients who are deficient to begin with, according to a study published in Nutrients.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Some patients also develop rheumatoid symptoms and metabolic disturbances. The diet plays a major role, and psoriasis patients appear to have fewer polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids in their red blood cells. According to a Polish study that is published in Nutrients, psoriasis patients seem to have an entirely different lipid profile in their red blood cells, which promotes inflammatory processes and increases the severity of the disease.

Melatonin is primarily known as a sleep hormone. However, it also serves as a powerful antioxidant and has an anti-ageing effect at a cellular level throughout the body, according to a review article of melatonin’s numerous functions. Our endogenous melatonin synthesis decreases with age, making us more vulnerable in many ways. Ageing is associated with oxidative stress and “inflammaging”, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders like depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. A melatonin supplement, on the other hand, works as a natural anti-ageing therapy against such diseases.