Brazil nuts contain selenium in organic compounds, mainly in the form of selenomethionine. However, the body does not perceive this as a form of selenium, but confuses it with the protein building block methionine. Therefore, it incorporates selenomethionine non-specifically and unregulated into proteins that actually contain sulfur. It is true that part of it is regenerated later, so that the selenium is available to the organism again. However, this does not occur as needed, but rather as a function of protein metabolism. The rest of the selenomethionine supplied can accumulate in the body over time. At the same time, less selenium is specifically incorporated into those proteins that actually urgently need the trace element. So instead of the desired positive effects, regular consumption of Brazil nuts can have negative effects.
Unlike Brazil nuts and other foods, selenium is contained in medicines and many dietary supplements from pharmacies not in organic but in inorganic form (as sodium selenite). The organism can incorporate this into selenium-dependent proteins more quickly, in a more targeted manner and as needed. Any excess is excreted again. Thus, unlike selenomethionine, sodium selenite does not accumulate in the body in a harmful way.
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