ANN 111: Principles of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology (2+1)

FUNCTIONS 

• Selenium is a component of gluthathione peroxidase, an enzyme which catalyses the removal of hydrogen peroxide, thereby protecting cell membrances from oxidative damage.
• Selenium has a sparing effect on vitamin E by ensuring normal absorption of the vitamin. This is due to its role in preserving the integrity of the pancreas and thereby ensuring satisfactory fat digestion.
• Selenium also reduces the amount of vitamin E required to maintain the integrity of lipid membranes and aids the retention of Vitamin E in plasma.