Zinc is a trace element of exceptional importance for the immune system. As well as its antioxidant effect, zinc is responsible for manifold interactions with the immune system. Many cellular and chemical mechanisms of an immune response rely on zinc – such as the production of the thymus hormone thymulin¹⁹, for example, and, as a direct result of this, the proliferation of T-cells²⁰. The maturation and function of leukocytes also depends on zinc²¹. Both types of cells are components of the cellular immune response and therefore essential to life.

Consequently, zinc is an effective trace element in the treatment of influenza and flu-like infections, but also for numerous inflammatory conditions. Zinc has been proven to reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms²⁹. Furthermore, the prophylactic administration of zinc cuts the risk of catching a cold by 33 %²⁹.

We offer zinc salts for use in pharmaceutical zinc supplements, e.g. Zinc Gluconate and Zinc Acetate, in many different pharmaceutical grades.

• Zinc Citrate
• Zinc Sulfate
• Zinc Gluconate
• Zinc Acetate

Antioxidant effect, immunomodulatory effect, selenium for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, selenium for multiple sclerosis

Antioxidant effect of selenium

Selenium is an important cofactor of glutathione peroxidase. Among other things, this enzyme reduces metabolically produced hydrogen peroxide to water according to the following formula:

2 GSH + H₂O₂ → GSSG + 2 H₂O

Whereby GSH stands for Glutathione peroxidase plus Selenium cofactor plus one H⁺ ion²².

The reduction of organic peroxides such as polyene fatty acid peroxide occurs in similar fashion. If not broken down, lipid peroxides subject the body to considerable oxidative stress. They can induce so-called programmed cell death (apoptosis) in somatic cells²³.

Thus selenium is an indispensable element for detoxification of the body and for reducing so-called free radicals.

Immunomodulatory effect of selenium

Selenium increases the production of various cytokines (inflammatory mediators), which play a vital role in the body's inflammatory responses²⁴. The proliferation of T-cells – another important factor in the body's own immune defense – is also stimulated by selenium²⁵.

Selenium for Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid. Its causes are still largely unexplained. The inflammatory processes destroy the cells of the thyroid. The most prominent symptoms massively restrict the sufferer's quality of life, and include anxiety, feeling low, depression, tiredness, being deep in thought, dry skin, sensitivity to cold and muscle cramps.

Studies have shown that regular supplementation with selenium can alleviate the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in sufferers, by lowering the concentration of thyroid peroxidase antibodies²⁶, ²⁷.

Selenium for multiple sclerosis

According to one study, supplementation with selenium can also have a positive impact on the symptoms and progression of multiple sclerosis, also an autoimmune disease associated with oxidative stress²⁸.

We offer Sodium Selenite in pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement grades. Our portfolio additionally contains various triturations, to ensure that this trace element can be homogeneously distributed in a certain percentage in a carrier substance.

• Sodium Selenite
• Sodium Selenite 0.85 % - 0.99 % in Sodium Citrate

Copper boosts the immune system, carries out important metabolic functions and is vital for the lifespan of every somatic cell in the body. It forms part of essential enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, an important antioxidant, which protects cell membranes from damage wreaked by free radicals, for example. Furthermore, copper is involved in blood formation and the production of energy.

• Copper Sulfate
• Copper Gluconate
• Copper Bisglycinate