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A new study reports that selenium reduces markers of oxidative stress in overweight individuals after exercise. Acute high-intensity exercise, as well as weight gain, is associated with increased oxidative stress. The free radicals generated during exercise can cause damage to cells and molecules. The body regulates this by quenching these free radicals with antioxidants. Ten overweight subjects and 10 normal-weight subjects were included in the study. The subjects were supplemented with 200 mcg of selenium daily or a placebo for 3 weeks. The subjects then received a placebo for 3 weeks followed by the opposite supplement they received during the initial trial period for an additional 3 weeks. At weeks 0, 3, 12 and 15 during the study, the subjects were evaluated at rest, pre-exercise, and after an exercise regimen that included 30 minutes at 70 percent of VO(2) max, which is the maximum capacity of the body to utilize oxygen during exercise. The subjects were evaluated for measurements of oxidative stress and antioxidant status, including lipid hydroperoxide, superoxide dismutase, erythrocyte glutathione and total antioxidant status. The results indicated that, at rest, selenium supplementation did not change the levels of lipid hydroperoxide, superoxide dismutase, erythrocyte glutathione and total antioxidant status compared to placebo. However, supplementation with selenium decreased lipid hydroperoxide, a measurement of oxidative stress, in the overweight group post-exercise compared to placebo. The researchers concluded that this study highlighted a potential benefit of selenium in reducing lipid hydroperoxide levels post-exercise in overweight individuals.
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