Selenium is active as an antioxidant and is vital for development of which organ system in infants?

Selenium is active as an antioxidant and is vital for development of which organ system in infants?

• A. Central nervous system
• B. Immune system
• C. Cardiovascular system
• D. Skeletal system

Answer: (A)

Selenium’s antioxidant role helps protect developing brain tissue. It is a key component of selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases that neutralize reactive oxygen species. In infancy, the brain is rapidly growing and highly susceptible to oxidative stress, so adequate selenium supports proper neural development and maturation by maintaining redox balance. Selenium also influences thyroid hormone metabolism, which further supports brain development, but the direct link most relevant to antioxidant protection during infancy is the central nervous system.

Selenium’s antioxidant role helps protect developing brain tissue. It is a key component of selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases that neutralize reactive oxygen species. In infancy, the brain is rapidly growing and highly susceptible to oxidative stress, so adequate selenium supports proper neural development and maturation by maintaining redox balance. Selenium also influences thyroid hormone metabolism, which further supports brain development, but the direct link most relevant to antioxidant protection during infancy is the central nervous system.