Selenium supports a variety of different selenoproteins and antioxidants that are important for our immune defense, circulatory system, cancer protection, metabolism, gut flora, fertility, nervous system, and general health. This is described in two meta-analyses that are published in Frontiers in Nutrition. The authors mention that there is widespread selenium deficiency in large parts of the world, Europe included, and that this is a public health problem. The big question is how much selenium we need to effectively prevent and treat many chronic illnesses.

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, if their blood levels of vitamin D are high before they start on methotrexate therapy, it lowers their mortality. This was shown in a study published in Nutrients, where the authors looked at vitamin D’s therapeutic properties. Note that the official vitamin D recommendations are too low to optimize blood levels of the nutrient.

Type 2 diabetes is spreading like a bushfire and is the major cause of vision loss, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and leg amputations. Many people have insulin resistance, the early stage of type diabetes that is associated with fatigue, untimely hunger, and increasing weight. The diet plays a major role and according to a new review article that is published in Human Nutrition and Metabolism, various B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin E, and zinc influence insulin resistance and diabetes treatment. Previous research has also shown that chromium and magnesium play a role in insulin resistance and blood sugar regulation.

The quality of the diet plays a particularly great role in the first years of a child’s life. The different nutrients help prevent obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases later in life. However, modern diet and lifestyle have resulted in widespread deficiency of vitamin D, iodine, iron, calcium, and magnesium among children, and that has had serious consequences for their physical and mental health, according to a large German study published in Frontiers in Nutrition. The scientists therefore recommend increased focus on the nutritional status of children and supplementation throughout childhood, if necessary.

The rate of inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerous colitis is growing, and diet plays a major role. Even if you eat a healthy diet, it can be a challenge to get enough selenium because of the selenium-depleted soil in our part of the world. Apparently, selenium supplementation can lower the disease activity and improve quality of life in patients with ulcerous colitis.

It is mainly older people and those with chronic illnesses that are vulnerable to COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. Also, it’s a fact that lack of essential nutrients impairs your immune defense and may have serious health consequences, whether you are vaccinated or not. A large study of 19 European countries reveals that low blood levels of vitamin D increases the risk of complicated COVID-19 infections, hospitalization, and death. According to the scientists, it is necessary to discuss and optimize people’s vitamin D status to help them resist future pandemics.

Menopause is typically linked to hormonal changes that increase the risk of aching joints, overweight, cardiovascular disease, muscle weakness, and metabolic disturbances. According to a study published in Nutrients, however, high-dosed supplementation with fish oil for eight weeks has a positive effect on blood pressure, muscle strength, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress, which can otherwise set the stage for atherosclerosis, joint pain, and number of chronic ailments. Earlier research has also demonstrated that fish oil supplements help against dry mucous membranes and depression that are often caused by brain inflammation.

Vitamin D is important for our bones, immune defense, muscles, hormone balance, blood sugar levels, nervous system, and for preventing cancer. According to a Polish study of elderly people hospitalized in geriatric wards, lack of vitamin D may trigger a host of different diseases and possibly be a useful marker of comorbidities and length of hospital stay. This study is highly relevant as the widespread problems with vitamin D deficiency have serious health-related and socioeconomic consequences, which could otherwise be avoided conveniently and at low cost with supplementation.