We embark on a fascinating journey into the world of the powerful micronutrient selenium. This essential mineral, although needed in trace amounts, has a significant impact on our overall health. In this article, we’ll explore the role of Selenium, its origins, benefits, potential side effects, and some interesting facts.
What is Selenium?
Selenium, a trace mineral, plays a crucial role in many bodily functions. Despite being needed in small amounts, it has big impacts on our health. Primarily, Selenium acts as an antioxidant, teaming up with vitamin E to protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Selenium is also essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. It aids in the production of thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism, growth and development. Without selenium, our thyroid glands cannot function optimally, leading to a host of health problems.
But the benefits of selenium don’t stop there. This powerful mineral also supports our immune system and helps us fight off disease. It plays an important role in heart health and prevents heart disease. Some studies even suggest that selenium may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Health Benefits
Antioxidant
Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from harmful free radicals. This helps prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Immune System
Selenium plays a vital role in the health of our immune systems. It stimulates the production of antibodies, boosting our body’s defenses against viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.
Thyroid Health
Selenium is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates our metabolism and controls growth and development.
Heart Health
Selenium can help keep your heart healthy by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in your body, which are key contributors to heart disease.
Mental Health
A diet rich in selenium may help prevent mental decline and improve memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Reproductive Health
Selenium plays a role in male and female fertility, contributing to sperm production in men and aiding in the prevention of miscarriage in women.
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal Issues
High levels of Selenium can lead to stomach discomfort, nausea or diarrhea.
Hair Loss
Consuming too much selenium can cause hair to become brittle and fall out.
Nail Changes
Similar to your hair, your nails may become brittle and you may notice that your nails appear white and splotchy.
Nervous System Abnormalities
High concentrations of selenium can cause neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Skin Rashes
Selenium poisoning can appear as rashes, lesions or discoloration.
Fatigue and Irritability
You may experience fatigue, irritability, or other mood changes due to Selenium toxicity.
Garlic Breath Odor
One telltale sign of selenium poisoning is your breath smelling like garlic.
Food Sources
Animal-Based Food Sources of Selenium
Plant-Based Food Sources of Selenium
Other Selenium Sources
Best Overall: Carlyle Selenium Supplement at Amazon ($9)
Best Seller: Bronson Selenium 200 mcg at Amazon ($15)
Best Budget: NOW Selenium 100 mcg at Amazon ($4)
Best Overall: Carlyle Selenium Supplement
- Essential Mineral: Selenium is an essential trace mineral and element, most abundant in yeast.
- Potent Formula: Provides strong support with 200 mcg of selenium per tablet!
- Rooted In Wellness: Carlyle provides premium, honest supplements in your pursuit to healthy living.
- Carlyle Manufacturers: Laboratory Tested, Trusted Ingredients, Superior Quality, 100% Guaranteed!
- Vegetarian Formula: Free of Gluten, Wheat, Lactose, Soy, Artificial Flavor, Preservatives & Non-GMO.
- Brand: Carlyle
- Flavor: Unflavored
- Item Form: Tablets
- Unit Count: 270.00 Count
Best Seller: Bronson Selenium 200 mcg
- Immune System, Thyroid & Metabolism Support: Selenium naturally supports immune system, healthy thyroid, prostate function. Selenium may also play a key role in metabolism in both men and women.
- Chelated Superior Absorption Selenium: By utilizing the premier manufacturer of chelated minerals (Albion), Bronson’s Selenium 200 MCG provides easy absorption, stability and overall quality. Albion Minerals are backed by science and an impressive 150+ patents ranging from manufacturing processes to food applications.
- Yeast Free Essential Micronutrient Selenium Amino Acid Complex: Selenium is a natural micronutrient that may play a vital role in many essential body functions.
- Superior Quality: Laboratory tested Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Soy Free. All Bronson products are tested in our state-of-the-art cGMP registered facility in New York.
- Trusted Since 1960: The pioneers of Bronson Vitamins were a group of pharmacists who witnessed the benefits of vitamins and mineral supplementation firsthand with their patients. Bronson Vitamins have been consistently mentioned by top medical professionals since our inception in 1960.
- Brand: Bronson
- Flavor: Unflavored
- Primary Supplement Type: Selenium
- Item Form: Capsule
- Unit Count: 250.00 Count
Best Budget: NOW Selenium 100 mcg
- Essential Mineral/100 mcg Tablets: Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is found naturally in Brazil nuts, organ meats, seafood, and wheat germ.
- Yeast-Free: Take 1 tablet 1 to 2 times daily with food.
- Classifications/Certifications: Vegan, Soy Free, Non-GMO, Kosher
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined, including our laboratory/testing methods (for stability, potency, and product formulation).
- Packaged in the USA by a family owned and operated company since 1968.
- During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations, when provided.
- Brand: NOW
- Flavor: Unflavored
- Primary Supplement Type: Selenium
- Item Form: Tablet
- Unit Count: 100 Count
Fun Facts
Fact 1: Selenium Was Discovered Accidentally
This trace mineral was discovered by Swedish chemist Jöns Jakob Berzelius in 1817 while he was working on an experiment with lead. Talk about a happy accident!
Fact 2: Selenium is Named After the Moon
The word Selenium comes from ‘Selene’, the Greek goddess of the moon. Berzelius chose this name due to the mineral’s association with the element tellurium, which is named after the Earth.
Fact 3: Selenium is Essential but Toxic in Large Amounts
While our bodies need selenium for many functions, too much can lead to toxicity. This is a perfect example of “too much of a good thing can be bad”.
Fact 4: Brazil Nuts are a Selenium Powerhouse
Just two Brazil nuts provide the recommended daily intake of selenium. However, because selenium is potentially toxic, it’s important not to eat too much.
Fact 5: Selenium is a Component of Many Vital Enzymes
Selenium is part of several important enzymes (called selenoproteins) that perform multiple functions, including detoxification and thyroid hormone production.
