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Uses of selenium. Selenium: Essential Mineral with Antioxidant Properties and Health Benefits

What are the uses and benefits of selenium. How much selenium should you take daily. Can selenium help prevent certain diseases. What are the risks of selenium supplementation. Where can you find selenium in foods.

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What is Selenium and Why is it Important?

Selenium is a trace mineral found naturally in soil, water, and certain foods. Though only needed in small amounts, selenium plays a crucial role in human metabolism and health. As an essential nutrient, selenium is incorporated into proteins to form important antioxidant enzymes called selenoproteins.

The antioxidant properties of selenium have attracted significant scientific interest. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which may contribute to the development of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. However, research on selenium’s ability to prevent specific conditions has produced mixed results.

Key Functions of Selenium in the Body

  • Supports thyroid hormone metabolism
  • Helps protect cells from oxidative stress
  • Supports immune system function
  • Plays a role in DNA synthesis
  • Important for reproductive health

Recommended Dietary Allowances for Selenium

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for selenium varies based on age and life stage. Most healthy adults can meet their selenium needs through diet alone. Here are the current RDAs for selenium:

GroupRecommended Dietary Allowance
Children 1-3 years20 micrograms/day
Children 4-8 years30 micrograms/day
Children 9-13 years40 micrograms/day
Adults and children 14 and up55 micrograms/day
Pregnant women60 micrograms/day
Breastfeeding women70 micrograms/day

The safe upper limit for selenium intake in adults is 400 micrograms per day. Consuming more than this amount is considered an overdose and may lead to adverse effects.

Natural Food Sources of Selenium

Selenium content in foods can vary widely depending on the selenium concentration in the soil where plants are grown or animals are raised. However, several foods are generally considered good sources of selenium:

  • Brazil nuts and walnuts
  • Seafood, including tuna, cod, red snapper, and herring
  • Beef and poultry
  • Whole grains
  • Eggs

Whole foods are typically the best sources of selenium, as processing can reduce selenium content. The mineral’s availability in plant-based foods depends on soil conditions, which can vary significantly by region.

Are there regions with low selenium content in soil?

Yes, selenium levels in soil can vary greatly by geographic location. In the United States, the Eastern Coastal Plain and Pacific Northwest regions generally have the lowest selenium levels in soil. This can affect the selenium content of locally grown foods, potentially impacting dietary intake for people in these areas.

Potential Health Benefits of Selenium

While research is ongoing, selenium has been studied for its potential role in various health conditions:

Thyroid Function

Selenium is crucial for proper thyroid function. Some studies suggest that selenium supplementation, along with thyroid hormone, may benefit adults with autoimmune thyroiditis, a condition causing an underactive thyroid.

Cardiovascular Health

Some research indicates that adequate selenium intake may support heart health, though more studies are needed to confirm this relationship.

Immune System Support

Selenium plays a role in the proper functioning of the immune system. Adequate selenium levels may help maintain a robust immune response.

Cognitive Function

Some studies suggest a potential link between selenium status and cognitive function, particularly in older adults. However, more research is needed to establish a clear connection.

Selenium Deficiency and Associated Conditions

Selenium deficiency is relatively rare in healthy individuals in developed countries. However, certain health conditions and situations can increase the risk of selenium deficiency:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Crohn’s disease and other gastrointestinal disorders
  • Individuals receiving long-term intravenous nutrition
  • People living in regions with low-selenium soil

In these cases, healthcare providers may recommend selenium supplements to prevent or address deficiency.

Can selenium deficiency cause specific health problems?

Severe selenium deficiency can lead to several health issues, including:

  • Keshan disease: A type of heart disease
  • Kashin-Beck disease: A condition affecting bones and joints
  • Weakened immune function
  • Impaired thyroid function

Selenium Supplementation: Benefits and Risks

While selenium supplements are available, it’s important to approach supplementation cautiously and under medical supervision. Here are some key points to consider:

Potential Benefits

  • May help prevent selenium deficiency in at-risk individuals
  • Could support thyroid function in certain conditions
  • May have antioxidant effects

Possible Risks and Side Effects

  • Selenium toxicity from excessive intake
  • Potential increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer
  • Interactions with certain medications

At normal doses, selenium supplements typically don’t cause side effects. However, selenium overdose can lead to serious health problems, including fever, nausea, and liver, kidney, and heart issues. In extreme cases, selenium toxicity can be fatal.

Do selenium supplements interact with medications?

Yes, selenium can interact with various medications and supplements. These may include:

  • Certain antacids
  • Chemotherapy drugs
  • Corticosteroids
  • Niacin
  • Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs
  • Birth control pills

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you’re taking other medications.

Selenium and Cancer: Current Research and Controversies

The relationship between selenium and cancer has been a subject of extensive research, with mixed results:

Prostate Cancer

Early studies suggested that selenium might reduce the risk of prostate cancer. However, more recent research has found little to no benefit. The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) even found that selenium supplements might increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer in some men.

Skin Cancer

Some studies have suggested that selenium supplementation may increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly in individuals with high baseline selenium levels. People at high risk for skin cancer should avoid selenium supplements unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Other Cancers

Research on selenium’s effects on colorectal and lung cancer risk has generally shown no significant benefit. However, studies continue to explore selenium’s potential role in cancer prevention and treatment.

Does selenium prevent cancer?

Despite early promising results, current evidence does not support the use of selenium supplements for cancer prevention in the general population. In fact, unnecessary supplementation may increase risks in some cases. A balanced diet that includes selenium-rich foods is generally recommended for optimal health.

Selenium in Pregnancy and Reproductive Health

Selenium plays a crucial role in reproductive health and fetal development. Research has explored its potential benefits during pregnancy:

Pre-eclampsia Prevention

Some studies suggest that selenium supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Taking 60-100 micrograms of selenium daily for up to 6 months during pregnancy might help lower this risk.

Male Fertility

Selenium is important for sperm production and motility. Some research indicates that selenium supplementation might improve male fertility, particularly in men with low selenium status. However, more studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Fetal Development

Adequate selenium intake during pregnancy is crucial for proper fetal development, particularly for the formation of the fetal brain and nervous system.

Can selenium supplementation improve pregnancy outcomes?

While some studies suggest potential benefits, more research is needed to definitively establish the role of selenium supplementation in improving pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before taking any supplements, including selenium.

Selenium in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions

Selenium’s antioxidant properties have led researchers to investigate its potential role in managing autoimmune and inflammatory conditions:

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Some studies suggest that selenium supplementation may benefit adults with autoimmune thyroiditis when used alongside thyroid hormone therapy. However, the same benefits have not been observed in children with this condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

While some research has explored selenium’s potential in managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, results have been inconclusive. More studies are needed to determine if selenium supplementation offers any benefits for this condition.

Asthma

Some researchers have investigated whether selenium might help manage asthma symptoms due to its antioxidant properties. However, current evidence does not strongly support selenium supplementation for asthma treatment.

Can selenium help manage autoimmune diseases?

While selenium plays a role in immune function, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend selenium supplementation as a treatment for most autoimmune diseases. Some promising results have been seen in autoimmune thyroiditis, but more research is needed for other conditions.

Selenium and Cardiovascular Health

The relationship between selenium and heart health has been a subject of ongoing research:

Blood Pressure

Some studies suggest that adequate selenium intake may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and more research is needed.

Heart Disease Risk

While some observational studies have found associations between low selenium levels and increased heart disease risk, clinical trials have not consistently shown that selenium supplementation reduces this risk.

Cholesterol Levels

Research on selenium’s effects on cholesterol levels has produced mixed results. Some studies suggest potential benefits, while others show no significant effect.

Does selenium supplementation improve heart health?

Current evidence does not strongly support selenium supplementation for improving cardiovascular health in people with adequate selenium intake. A balanced diet that includes selenium-rich foods is generally recommended for heart health.

In conclusion, selenium is an essential mineral with important roles in human health. While it offers potential benefits, particularly for those at risk of deficiency, unnecessary supplementation can be harmful. Most people can meet their selenium needs through a balanced diet. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Written by R. Morgan Griffin

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on May 01, 2023

  • Why do people take selenium?
  • How much selenium should you take?
  • Can you get selenium naturally from foods?
  • What are the risks of taking selenium?

Selenium is a mineral found in the soil. Selenium naturally appears in water and some foods. While people only need a very small amount, selenium plays a key role in their metabolism.

Selenium has attracted attention because of its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect cells from damage. Evidence that selenium supplements may reduce the odds of prostate cancer has been mixed, but most studies suggest there is no real benefit. Selenium does not seem to affect the risk of colorectal or lung cancer. But beware: some studies suggest that selenium may increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Among healthy people in the U. S., selenium deficiencies are uncommon. But some health conditions — such as HIV, Crohn’s disease, and others — are associated with low selenium levels. People who are fed intravenously are also at risk for low selenium. Doctors sometimes suggest that people with these conditions use selenium supplements.

Selenium has also been studied for the treatment of dozens of conditions. They range from asthma to arthritis to dandruff to infertility. However, the results have been inconclusive.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) includes the total amount of selenium you should get from foods and from any supplements you take. Most people can get their RDA of selenium from food.

In some studies to determine if selenium could aid in prostate cancer prevention, men took 100 micrograms daily.

The safe upper limit for selenium is 400 micrograms a day in adults. Anything above that is considered an overdose.

 

Group

Recommended Dietary Allowance

Children 1-320 micrograms/day
Children 4-830 micrograms/day
Children 9-1340 micrograms/day
Adults and children 14 and up55 micrograms/day
Pregnant women60 micrograms/day
Breastfeeding women70 micrograms/day

 

Selenium content of food is largely dependent on location and soil conditions, which vary widely.

Good natural food sources of selenium include:

  • Nuts, like Brazil nuts and walnuts
  • Many fresh and saltwater fish, like tuna, cod, red snapper, and herring
  • Beef and poultry
  • Grains

Whole foods are the best sources of selenium. The mineral may be destroyed during processing. 

  • Side effects. Taken at normal doses, selenium does not usually have side effects. An overdose of selenium may cause bad breath, fever, and nausea, as well as liver, kidney and heart problems and other symptoms. At high enough levels, selenium could cause death.
  • Interactions. Selenium may also interact with other medicines and supplements, such as some antacids, chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids, niacin, cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, and birth control pills.
  • Skin cancer. Selenium supplements may be associated with a risk of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma), so people at high risk of skin cancer should not take these supplements.

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Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Selenium is an essential trace mineral found in soil, water, and some foods. It is an important factor in many body processes.

Selenium increases antioxidant effects in the body. Crab, fish, poultry, and wheat are generally good food sources. The amount of selenium in soil varies, and foods grown in different soils have different selenium levels. The Eastern Coastal Plain and Pacific Northwest have the lowest selenium levels in the US.

People commonly use selenium for selenium deficiency and to reduce the risk for high blood pressure during pregnancy. It is also used for prostate cancer, complications from statin drugs, abnormal cholesterol levels, cataracts, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using selenium for COVID-19.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Likely Effective for

  • Selenium deficiency. Taking selenium by mouth is effective for preventing selenium deficiency.

Possibly Effective for

  • A disease that causes underactive thyroid (autoimmune thyroiditis). Taking selenium by mouth daily along with thyroid hormone might benefit adults, but not children, with this condition.
  • A disorder that affects the bones and joints, usually in people with selenium deficiency (Kashin-Beck disease). Adding salt enriched with selenium to food can prevent Kashin-Beck disease in children. But selenium does not seem to improve joint pain or movement in children with Kashin-Beck disease.
  • A pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine (pre-eclampsia). Taking selenium 60-100 mcg by mouth daily for up to 6 months during pregnancy might reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Asthma. Taking selenium by mouth doesn’t seem to help asthma symptoms.
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis). Taking yeast that is enriched with selenium by mouth daily for 12 weeks, alone or with vitamin E, does not improve eczema.
  • Bladder cancer. Taking selenium by mouth doesn’t seem to prevent bladder cancer.
  • Heart disease. Taking selenium by mouth doesn’t seem to reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Colon cancer, rectal cancer. Taking selenium by mouth doesn’t seem to reduce the risk of colon or rectal cancer.
  • Diabetes. People who eat diets high in selenium and those who take selenium supplements for many years have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. For people who already have diabetes, taking selenium by mouth does not improve blood sugar levels.
  • Abnormal levels of cholesterol or blood fats (dyslipidemia). Taking selenium by mouth does not improve cholesterol levels in people with dyslipidemia.
  • Infants born weighing less than 2500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces). Giving selenium by mouth or by IV does not appear to reduce the chance of death in low birth weight infants. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
  • Lung cancer. Taking selenium by mouth, alone or with other nutrients, does not reduce the risk of lung cancer. But it might benefit people with low selenium levels.
  • Nonmelanoma skin cancer. Taking selenium by mouth doesn’t reduce the risk of getting a certain type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. In fact, taking extra selenium might actually increase the risk of getting another type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Prostate cancer. Taking selenium by mouth does not reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer.
  • Scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis). Taking yeast enriched with selenium by mouth daily does not reduce symptoms of psoriasis.
  • Blood infection (sepsis). Giving selenium along with other nutrients by IV does not reduce the risk of death in people with sepsis. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.

There is interest in using selenium for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Selenium is likely safe when taken in doses less than 400 mcg daily, short-term. But selenium is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses or for a long time. Taking doses above 400 mcg daily can increase the risk of developing selenium toxicity. Taking lower doses for a long time can increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Selenium can cause stomach discomfort, headache, and rash. High doses can cause hair loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Extremely high doses can lead to organ failure and death.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Selenium is likely safe when taken in doses less than 400 mcg daily, short-term. But selenium is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses or for a long time. Taking doses above 400 mcg daily can increase the risk of developing selenium toxicity. Taking lower doses for a long time can increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Selenium can cause stomach discomfort, headache, and rash. High doses can cause hair loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Extremely high doses can lead to organ failure and death. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Selenium is possibly safe when used short-term in amounts that are not above 400 mcg daily. Selenium is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in doses above 400 mcg daily. This dose might cause toxicity.

Children: Selenium is possibly safe when taken by mouth appropriately. Selenium seems to be safe when used short-term in doses below 45 mcg daily for infants up to age 6 months, 60 mcg daily for infants 7-12 months, 90 mcg daily for children 1-3 years, 150 mcg daily for children 4-8 years, 280 mcg daily for children 9-13 years, and 400 mcg daily for children age 14 years and older.

Autoimmune diseases: Selenium might stimulate the immune system. People with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other should avoid taking selenium supplements.

Hemodialysis: Blood levels of selenium can be low in people on hemodialysis. Selenium supplements might be needed for some people.

Under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism): Taking selenium can worsen hypothyroidism, especially in people with iodine deficiency. In this case, you should take iodine along with selenium. Check with your healthcare provider before taking selenium supplements.

Fertility problems in males: Selenium might decrease the ability of sperm to move, which could reduce fertility.

Skin cancer: In people who have had nonmelanoma skin cancer, long-term use of selenium supplements might slightly increase the risk of cancer returning. Avoid long-term use of selenium supplements if you have ever had skin cancer.

Surgery: Selenium might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking selenium at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Selenium might slow blood clotting. Taking selenium along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Taking niacin along with the drug simvastatin can increase good cholesterol levels. Taking niacin plus simvastatin along with selenium and other antioxidants can decrease the effects of niacin and simvastatin on good cholesterol levels. It is unknown if selenium alone decreases the effects of niacin plus simvastatin on good cholesterol levels.

  • Selenium might reduce how quickly the body breaks down sedative medications. Taking selenium with these medications might increase the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Selenium might slow blood clotting. Selenium might also increase the effects of warfarin in the body. Taking selenium along with warfarin might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

  • Selenium can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking selenium along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Taking birth control pills might increase blood levels of selenium. But it’s not clear if this is a real concern.

  • Gold salts bind to selenium and decrease selenium in parts of the body. This might decrease the normal activity of selenium, possibly resulting in symptoms of selenium deficiency.

Dosing

Selenium is an essential trace mineral found in foods, including crab, fish, poultry, and wheat. The amount of selenium in soil varies, so foods grown in different soils have different selenium levels. The amount that should be consumed on a daily basis is called the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The RDA is 55 mcg daily for all people 19 years and older. While pregnant, the RDA is 60 mcg daily. While breastfeeding, the RDA is 70 mcg daily. In children, the RDA depends on age.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Selenium: biogenic importance and application

Selenium plays an important role in metabolic processes. In microdoses, it is found in the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, thyroid gland, in the nuclei of cells, in the genitals of men; is a component of important enzymes. A person needs very little selenium: from 55 to 200 mcg, but its lack negatively affects many functions.

We get it from food; there is a lot of selenium in turkey, lamb and pork liver, shrimp, fish, poultry, eggs, mushrooms, yeast, beans, lentils, rice, wheat, corn, broccoli, garlic, nuts and many other foods.

The element activates the work of leukocytes and strengthens the immune system; slows down the aging process; reduces the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. It has a positive effect on brain activity, improves blood circulation to the brain, enhances mental functions, relieves stress, fatigue, and depression. Antioxidant properties slow down the reproduction of cancer cells. Selenium helps neutralize free radicals; blocks viruses and bacteria in cells; fights inflammation, enhances the action of vitamin E; accelerates the processing of glucose and reduces the risk of developing diabetes; inhibits the development of thyroid diseases.

Selenium may be deficient in the body due to its deficiency in the soil and related plants. In addition, it is poorly absorbed when interacting with foods rich in fast carbohydrates (sweets, starchy foods).

Lack of selenium reduces immunity, efficiency, weakens the body’s defenses against viruses and diseases. Deficiency can lead to exacerbations of diseases of the pancreas and kidneys, the development of anemia, pain in the joints and muscles. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe vitamin and mineral complexes with selenium. Selenium supplements should be taken by pregnant women and children only after consulting a doctor.

An excess of Se is also harmful, but it is impossible to get it from food. This problem can only affect employees who deal with him by occupation. Be careful with selenium-containing vitamins and nutritional supplements.

• Most of the industrially extracted selenium, as well as its compounds with metals, are used to make semiconductors, rectifiers, photo and thermoelectric elements. Selenium drums are the main element of Xerox copiers.
• Selenium oxide is used in lithium-ion batteries.
• Potassium selenide is in demand in the process of thermochemical production of oxygen and hydrogen from water.
• Selenium grey, sodium selenite Na2SeO3, cadmoselite CdSe – additives in glass for coloring the latter in pink and red. Glasses of red color with addition of selenium and cadmium are called selenium ruby ​​or ruby ​​glass. Se was used in the smelting of glasses for the Kremlin ruby ​​stars. A combination of selenium and cadmium stains glass, ceramics and enamels in a bright red color.
• Selenium is added to glass and ceramic masses to offset the greenish tint and produce colorless glass and ceramics.
• Se-75 isotope is used as a source of gamma radiation in flaw detectors to check the integrity of structures and welds.
• In pharmacology and medicine, the element is used for the production of effective anti-cancer drugs intended for the treatment and prevention of oncological diseases of various organs. It is also added to medicines against allergies, asthma, viruses, for the treatment of thyroid diseases and iodine deficiency diseases; AIDS, hepatitis, Ebola. Used to prevent diabetes. Selenium lotions and shampoos are used to treat dandruff and shingles.
• In the steel industry, Se is added to give alloys a fine crystalline structure, to improve the fluidity of steel, and to eliminate defects.
• In the chemical industry – a catalyst in organic synthesis.
• Filler in the rubber industry.

Why do we need selenium and how to take it correctly?

Among the numerous trace elements, selenium occupies a special place. It is important for many processes in the body, and therefore, with a deficiency of selenium, it is necessary to take it in tablet form. But this must be done correctly so that an overdose does not occur, which is no less dangerous than a deficiency.

The role of selenium in the body

In large quantities, this element is poisonous to humans. But when using the daily norm, selenium has a positive effect on many processes:

  • helps fight atherosclerosis;
  • has an anti-cancer effect;
  • reduces the risk of infertility;
  • relieves chronic fatigue syndrome;
  • increases life expectancy;
  • relieves asthma symptoms;
  • strengthens the immune system.

You can strengthen the immune system and get not only the necessary selenium, but also other trace elements with the help of the antioxidant complex Sources of Purity. Formula 3. Regular use of the complex provides the body with a “triple mechanism” to protect cells from damage and accelerate the healing process.

    Attention! Selenium helps maintain youthful tissue and lose weight. Normal consumption of this substance helps to remove salts of heavy metals from the body.

    There are a number of symptoms that indicate a clear deficiency of selenium in the human body. Diseases caused by selenium deficiency include:

    • male infertility;
    • sore joints;
    • osteoarthritis;
    • iodine deficiency.

    Therefore, regularly in the diet of a healthy person should be foods rich in selenium.

    Where is selenium found?

    The natural sources of the element in question include:

    • brazil nuts – record holders for the content of the substance;
    • chicken breast;
    • natural dairy products;
    • brown rice;
    • salmon;
    • mushrooms;
    • liver;
    • sea bass;
    • eggs.

      Attention! Unlike many other elements, selenium is preserved during heat treatment, but during cooking it tends to turn into broth.

      How many elements do you need per day?

      The recommended daily allowance depends on age. Babies need 15 micrograms. Children aged one year and older – 20-40 mcg, and for adults, the figure increases to 55 mcg. The same amount of selenium is necessary for pregnant women.

      Organic Selenium – Essential Minerals will help you get the right dosage of selenium – a powerful antioxidant defense of your body. Organic selenium in a concentrated form protects cell membranes from oxidative processes, and extracts of Baikal skullcap, wild rose, garlic and Barbados cherry increase immunity and help to cope with nervous tension.

      Selenium deficiency will help eliminate the Vitamin-mineral complex – Health Rhythms – a complete vitamin-mineral complex, which was developed taking into account chronobiology to maintain excellent health and a reliable rebuff to viruses and infections.

      Side effects and contraindications

      The element in question has a number of side effects on the body and is contraindicated in some groups of patients. This should be taken into account when buying a pharmacy drug with this substance. Selenium tablets are not recommended after surgery, in the presence of autoimmune diseases, after hemodialysis.

      Side effects are rarely noticeable, usually they are associated with exceeding the permissible norm. As a result, nausea, vomiting, problems with the nail plates appear.

      How do I take my medicines?

      First you need to see a doctor who will evaluate the feasibility of taking pharmaceuticals and clearly instruct how to take selenium.

      Selenium is optimally absorbed with the simultaneous intake of vitamin E, so it is recommended to buy these substances in combination or simply take various vegetable oils, primarily sunflower oil, in addition.

      For course treatment, a monthly intake of selenium is usually prescribed, 1 tablet per day. It is necessary to take the drug in the first half of the day during or immediately after a meal.