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You know what I love about SmartyPants Women’s Formula is a premium, multifunctional supplement that delivers omega-3s from fish oil, CoQ10, and essential nutrients including folate as methylfolate, vitamin B12 to support energy metabolism, vitamin D3 for immunity, and vitamin K2 for bone health—all-in-one delicious gummy and what makes them stand out from the rest, well in my opinion there are a few ingredients I love that they chose to add selenium, iodine, and many more!
Selenium is a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various aspects of human health. Here are some of the key health benefits associated with selenium
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- Antioxidant Protection: Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and aging.
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- Supports Immune Function: Selenium plays a vital role in the functioning of the immune system. It helps to regulate immune responses and enhance the activity of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases.
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- Thyroid Health: Selenium is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which are essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and energy levels. Adequate selenium levels may help support thyroid function and prevent thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
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- Cognitive Function: Some research suggests that selenium may play a role in supporting cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
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- Heart Health: Selenium has been associated with cardiovascular health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function, and lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. It may also help lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
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- Cancer Prevention: Selenium has been studied for its potential role in cancer prevention. Some research suggests that selenium may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, including prostate, colorectal, lung, and breast cancer, although more studies are needed to confirm these effects.
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- Fertility and Reproductive Health: Selenium is important for male and female reproductive health. It is involved in sperm production and motility in men and may play a role in female fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
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- Joint Health: Selenium has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
What’s the importance of iodine you ask?
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- Thyroid Function: Iodine is a critical component of thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are produced by the thyroid gland and are essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development throughout the body. Adequate iodine intake is necessary to ensure proper thyroid function and hormone production.
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- Metabolism Regulation: Thyroid hormones, which contain iodine, help regulate the body’s metabolic rate. They control how quickly the body uses energy from food, affecting functions such as heart rate, body temperature, and calorie expenditure. Insufficient iodine intake can lead to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), which can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
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- Brain Development: Iodine is particularly crucial for fetal and infant brain development. Thyroid hormones produced with the help of iodine play a vital role in the development of the central nervous system during pregnancy and early childhood. Adequate iodine intake by pregnant women is essential to prevent developmental disorders such as cretinism, which can lead to severe mental and physical impairments in the offspring.
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- Regulation of Growth and Development: Iodine is essential for overall growth and development, particularly during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Thyroid hormones influence the growth of bones, muscles, and other tissues, as well as the maturation of the reproductive system.
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- Energy Production: Thyroid hormones help regulate the body’s energy production and utilization. They play a role in converting nutrients from food into energy that can be used by cells throughout the body. Adequate iodine levels are necessary to support optimal energy metabolism and prevent symptoms of fatigue and lethargy.
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- Immune System Function: Iodine may also play a role in supporting immune system function. Some research suggests that iodine has antimicrobial properties and may help the body defend against infections and pathogens.