Some years ago my wife and I spent four weeks driving across Australia in a camper van. Although there was selenium in our baggage, space was very limited and we never bothered to take it out. On arrival in Brisbane I developed indigestion, which I quickly dealt with by taking a selenium supplement. My wife did not have indigestion so did not take selenium. She subsequently became infected by an unpleasant virus that had no effect on me. When we reached Melbourne we found that many of our relatives had been infected by the same virus. The point I wish to make is that in general my wife and I resist common infections as long as we take a selenium supplement. We all have a wonderful system, our immune system, which protects us from most kinds of infection as long as we eat food that provides all the essential nutrients. It is so complex and sophisticated that it is incredible that it should turn against itself for no good reason. Far more likely that it detects something wrong before any symptoms are experienced and moves in to destroy and remove the malfunctioning cells.

When we are cut or bruised calcium ions enter the damaged cells and when their concentration passes a critical level an enzyme is activated which frees arachidonic acid. A complex process is then initiated which restricts bleeding and opens up the junctions between cells to enable lymphocytes to enter to prevent infection and clear the area of inflammation.

I have previously explained how calcium ions enter cells and how they are expelled (see above) but in certain circumstances either too many enter cells or they cannot be expelled with sufficient speed to prevent release of arachidonate which can initiate either an auto-
immune disease or an allergic response.

Many of these conditions seem to be triggered by the abnormal activation of receptors by recreational drugs, mycotoxins, certain E numbers and, of cause, allergens. Puzzling conditions such as type one diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and thyrotoxicosis all seem to be associated with the accumulation of excess intracellular calcium ions.

Mast cells are found on the surface of many tissues especially in the lungs. These cells contain granules filled with histamine, arachidonic acid derivatives and other substances, which are expelled when the cells contract in response to an increase in their calcium content. This happens in the lungs after an allergen has been inhaled.
Normally only a few cells degranulate but if the tissues containing the mast cells are already overfilled with calcium ions the substances expelled from the mast cells will have a disproportionate effect and may cause asthma.

If the mast cells themselves are overfilled with calcium before they are stimulated by an allergen many may degranulate in response to a tiny amount of allergen and cause anaphylaxis. Within the nose the degranulation of mast cells can cause sneezing and the ejection of the irritant.

The relationship between asthma and selenium deficiency was initially brought to my attention by a colleague whose asthma disappeared once he started supplementing with
selenium.

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First Published in 2009

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