Selenium as a Nutritional Shield in Viral Defense: A Narrative Review
Md. Safiullah Sarker, Mohammed Moshtaq Pervez
doi:10.20944/preprints202502.2251.v1
Selenium, an essential micronutrient, plays a critical role in immune function, oxidative stress regulation, and antiviral defense. This review highlights selenium's diverse biological functions, its role in reducing oxidative stress, and its impact on immune modulation. Studies have shown that selenium enhances immune response, mitigates inflammation, and supports antiviral properties. Its deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to viral infections, including HIV and COVID-19. The potential of selenium as a therapeutic agent in managing viral diseases and improving immune responses is discussed, emphasizing its significance in public health, particularly in selenium-deficient regions.
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