Selenium
Selenium is a chemical element with the symbol Se and atomic number 34. It is a nonmetal with properties that are intermediate between the elements above and below in the periodic table, sulfur and tellurium, and also has similarities to arsenic. It rarely occurs in its elemental state or a…
When is the best time to take selenium?
To lessen or prevent any side effects, follow these rules:
- Take your supplements during or after a meal, unless directed otherwise, and drink plenty of fluids as well.
- Take as indicated. Your supplements may be recommended or packaged for morning, noon or evening dosages, based on your individual health needs. ...
- Some supplements may interact with prescription medications. ...
What are the prerequisites to learn selenium?
Prerequisites. Before learning the concepts of Selenium, you should have a basic understanding of java or any other object-oriented programming language. Languages supported by Selenium include C#, Java, Perl, PHP, Python and Ruby.Currently, Selenium Webdriver is most popular with Java and C#.
Why is selenium a recommended supplement to take?
Selenium is a trace mineral found in food and soil, which is vital for immune response and thyroid function, including conversion of thyroid hormone T4 to T3, making it essential for good metabolic function. It is often recommended that those of us with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s consider supplementing Selenium.
How much is too much selenium per day?
When taken by mouth: Selenium is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in doses less than 400 mcg daily, short-term. However, selenium is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high doses or for a long time. Taking doses above 400 mcg can increase the risk of developing selenium toxicity.
How do you know if I should take selenium?
6 signs of a selenium deficiency. Reviewed by Mike Bohl, MD, MPH, ALM. ... Fatigue. This nonspecific symptom is, unfortunately, quite common with a number of mineral deficiencies. ... Foggy mental state. ... Weakened immune system. ... Hair loss. ... Muscle weakness. ... Infertility.
Is selenium good to take everyday?
RDA: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adult men and women 19+ years of age is 55 micrograms daily. Women who are pregnant and lactating need about 60 and 70 micrograms daily, respectively.
What are the negative effects of selenium?
Selenium toxicity can occur with acute or chronic ingestion of excess selenium. Symptoms of selenium toxicity include nausea; vomiting; nail discoloration, brittleness, and loss; hair loss; fatigue; irritability; and foul breath odor (often described as “garlic breath”).
Is it OK to take selenium?
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.
Can selenium cause weight gain?
In previous studies of rats, selenium supplementation caused significant weight and body fat reduction. However, 2 small interventional studies in humans have reported contradictory results. One study of 11 men found that raising selenium intake increased weight gain.
Is 200 mg selenium too much?
Although some studies have used doses of 200 mcg, there is some evidence that this amount could increase your risk for diabetes. DO NOT exceed the upper tolerable limit of 400 mcg. Remember that you may also get some selenium in the foods you eat. Over time, high doses of selenium can be toxic.
What food is highest in selenium?
Brazil nuts, seafoods, and organ meats are the richest food sources of selenium [1]. Other sources include muscle meats, cereals and other grains, and dairy products.
What selenium should not be taken with?
Cholesterol-lowering medications -- Simvastatin (Zocor) and niacin have been shown to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol in people with heart disease. Taking antioxidants, including selenium, along with these drugs may reduce their effectiveness.
Is selenium good for anxiety?
Low selenium and iodine levels may contribute to the development of anxiety and depression, independent of thyroid functions, in patients with ENG. In these patients, selenium and iodine replacement may be useful for the prevention of anxiety and depression, especially in deficient regions.
What happens when you start taking selenium?
Boosts your immune system Selenium plays an important role in the health of your immune system. This antioxidant helps lower oxidative stress in your body, which reduces inflammation and enhances immunity. Studies have demonstrated that increased blood levels of selenium are associated with enhanced immune response.
Is selenium good for hair loss?
Selenium seems to be effective as a hair loss treatment. Many people suffering from telogen effluvium take selenium supplements to support hair regrowth. "The body needs trace minerals, such as selenium, in helping with hair growth," said board-certified dermatologist Dr.
Does selenium increase estrogen?
Selenium decreased the binding of estrogen receptor to the estrogen responsive element site using an electrophoretic mobility gel shift assay. Selenium suppressed estrogen induction of the endogenous target gene c-myc.
How often should you take selenium?
Adult and teenage males—40 to 70 micrograms (mcg) per day. Adult and teenage females—45 to 55 mcg per day. Pregnant females—65 mcg per day. Breast-feeding females—75 mcg per day.
Is it better to take selenium in the morning or at night?
When taking selenium, it does not matter at what time of day selenium is taken. However, if you have problems with your stomach, you should take selenium in combination with a meal.
What medications should not be taken with selenium?
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners) -- When combined with these drugs, selenium may increase the risk of bleeding:Clopidogrel (Plavix)Warfarin (Coumadin)Heparin.Aspirin.
What are the benefits of selenium in your body?
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that supports many bodily processes. It can help improve cognition, immune system function, and fertility. Selenium is a nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining thyroid hormone metabolism and DNA synthesis and protecting the body from oxidative damage and infection.
What is the best source of selenium?
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.
What foods contain selenium?
Good natural food sources of selenium include: 1 Nuts, like Brazil nuts and walnuts 2 Many fresh and saltwater fish, like tuna, cod, red snapper, and herring 3 Beef and poultry 4 Grains
What are the health conditions that are associated with low selenium levels?
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.
Where is selenium found in 2021?
Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on March 26, 2021. 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.
Does selenium help with cancer?
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.
Can selenium cause nausea?
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.
Can you take Selenium supplements for cancer?
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.
What to do if your selenium is low?
If you think your selenium levels may be low, ask your doctor to test it. Boosting your selenium intake can provide extra antioxidants, support your thyroid and reproductive systems, and enhance your immune system. Taking selenium supplements or eating selenium-rich foods can help you reap the benefits of this essential trace mineral.
How much selenium is in a daily diet?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for men and women is 55 micrograms each day and the maximum intake level is 400 mcg. If you’re focused on the antioxidant properties of selenium, look for supplements that also include vitamin E. You can also get selenium from foods, such as meats, shellfish, and eggs.
What is the best mineral for thyroid?
Selenium is a small but mighty mineral that provides many health benefits for people who need it. From thyroid health to reproductive support, selenium covers a lot of ground to keep your body in good shape.
Does selenium help with prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer: If you are at risk for prostate cancer, ask your doctor to check your selenium levels and discuss taking selenium to lower your cancer risk. One study found that taking 200 mcg of selenized yeast each day reduced prostate cancer risk by two-thirds.
Can selenium be added to food?
Always talk to your doctor before adding selenium to your diet through foods or supplements, because it could cause side effects or react negatively to medications. For example, there is some evidence that high doses of selenium could increase your risk for diabetes. Also, you could experience side effects, such as skin rash, fingernail loss, fatigue, irritability, and weight loss.
Does selenium decrease cognitive ability?
Cognitive ability: As you age, your selenium levels drop and research suggests this could contribute to a decline in brain function. If a blood test shows your levels are low, you may want to add selenium-rich foods to your diet or try supplements.
Does selenium help the immune system?
Immune function: Many studies recommend selenium to help the immune system work properly. It can help increase white blood cells and the body's ability to fight infections ranging from skin infections to the flu.
How much selenium should I take a day?
The dosage varies, most of the time it is something between 50 mcg and 200 mcg per day. Sometimes, people take 200 mcg twice a day but this usually includes food sources. If you test your selenium levels and find that they are low, or if you have elevated TPO antibodies (a sign of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), you probably need a little extra selenium for a few weeks or months. Since I’m not a physician, and I can’t prescribe for you, please ask your physician if it’s right for you. If you do begin selenium, I suggest the more natural food-based form called selenomethionine.
What meds can rob selenium?
The mineral is wiped out by over 25 popular medications including the antacids, reflux drugs and statins.
Why is selenium important for antioxidants?
The main reason would be selenium’s powerful antioxidant properties. It helps neutralize free radicals. In other words, it helps reduce oxidative damage through several different mechanisms, the main one is by recycling glutathione, a strong antioxidant. You have another enzyme in your body that breaks down hydrogen peroxide, it’s called Catalase. Both catalase and glutathione Peroxidase require selenium as part of their molecular structure (in their core anatomy) in order to function properly and keep you healthy! Both of those enzymes are major players in terms of detoxification. You’d die within minutes without them. So a selenium deficiency over time, can lead to suppressed antioxidant activity due to the low levels of glutathione and catalase. And when you have poor antioxidant protection, you’re more susceptible to DNA damage which leads to cancer.
Why is selenium needed for thyroid?
It’s needed for the “deiodinase” enzymes that convert inactive thyroxine T4 to biologically active T3. Interestingly, selenium is depleted by countless drugs.
Where did selenium come from?
The Greek word “selene” means moon, and that’s where the trace mineral selenium gets its name. It was discovered in Sweden in the year 1817. If you’re a man thinking of selenium, think of it as a natural remedy for your prostate. And if you’re a woman, think about thyroid and breasts.
How long does it take for swelling to go down with selenium?
It’s astounding to note that 75 percent of participants showed improvement in their swelling at just 2 weeks, compared to baseline. There was no change in the control group. So if there is lymph node damage, and related swelling it may be wise to have a conversation with your doctor and see if you can supplement with selenium. What more relevant to me, is that this profound anti-inflammatory and immunosupportive action (remember it took just 2 weeks!) was completely independent of selenium’s antioxidant capabilities!
Is Selenium a nonmetal?
Selenium is important if you take a cholesterol medication, and I’ll get to that shortly. Selenium is considered a nonmetal, even though it’s similar to magnesium in so many ways.
How should I take selenium?
If you choose to use selenium, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
What should I avoid while taking selenium?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What is selenium?
Selenium is mineral that is found in soil and occurs naturally in certain foods (such as whole grains, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and seafood). Selenium is not produced in the body, but it is needed for proper thyroid and immune system function.
What are the side effects of selenium?
Long term use of high selenium doses can lead to dangerous side effects. Stop taking selenium and call your doctor at once if you have: 1 nausea, vomiting; 2 lack of energy, feeling irritable or very tired 3 hair loss, mild rash, brittle or painful fingernails, or white streaks on the nails; 4 tremors, feeling light-headed; 5 muscle tenderness; 6 flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); 7 metallic taste, bad breath, strong body odor; or 8 easy bruising or bleeding.
How long before surgery can you stop using Selenium?
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using selenium. You may need to stop using this product for at least 2 weeks before your surgery. This medication can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using selenium.
Can you use selenium for long term?
Warnings. High doses or long-term use of selenium can lead to serious medical problems or death. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. Follow all directions on your medicine label and package.
Is selenium safe for thyroid?
Selenium has been used in alternative medicine as an aid to treat Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid), and to treat high cholesterol. Not all uses for selenium have been approved by the FDA. Selenium should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Why is it important to have enough selenium?
Probably the most important reason for ensuring that we have enough selenium is that our bodies need it for the production of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), an antioxidant that aids every cell in our bodies to fight illness and thus maintain health.
Why is selenium important?
A sufficient supply of selenium is essential for the production of the critical antioxidant enzyme glutathione. This may be the most important benefit of selenium. It appears that benefits claimed for selenium could be the result of selenium providing for adequate levels of glutathione.
What is Selenium?
Selenium is a nonmetallic trace element rarely found in its pure state in nature . It is produced as a mining by-product of sulfite ores, such as copper, and has certain industrial uses. For us, however, a tiny dose of selenium is essential for good health.
How much selenium is in whole wheat bread?
Whole-wheat bread has 11 mcg per slice. It is also found in other whole-wheat products, such as English muffins, pita bread, etc. Meat contains selenium. On average, a 3 oz. serving of lean meat or poultry will supply 25-35 mcg of selenium. Sunflower seeds supply 78 mcg of selenium per 100 grams of seeds.
What is the select trial for prostate cancer?
The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) (SELECT) divided 35,000 men, considered to be at moderate risk of prostate cancer, into 4 groups in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. This study began in 2001.
How much selenium is in tuna?
Tuna is very high in selenium (4 oz. = 123 mcg), as is other seafood such as shrimp, sardines, oysters and salmon.
Where does selenium come from?
Plants draw selenium from the soil, but the amount of selenium in the soil varies. In most parts of the world, there is sufficient selenium in the soil. However, in one region of China, selenium deficiency in the soil was eventually tied to people suffering from multiple ailments.
What are the benefits of selenium?
1. Acts as a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds in foods that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are normal byproducts of processes like metabolism that are formed in your body daily .
Why is selenium important for thyroid?
Selenium is important for the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. In fact, thyroid tissue contains a higher amount of selenium than any other organ in the human body ( 21#N#Trusted Source#N#).
Why is selenium important for the immune system?
Selenium plays an important role in the health of your immune system. This antioxidant helps lower oxidative stress in your body, which reduces inflammation and enhances immunity. Studies have demonstrated that increased blood levels of selenium are associated with enhanced immune response.
How much selenium is in Brazil nuts?
For example, one study showed that the selenium concentration in Brazil nuts varied widely by region. While a single Brazil nut from one region provided up to 288% of the recommended intake, others provided only 11% ( 35 ).
What foods contain Selenium?
Summary Foods rich in selenium include seafood, nuts, and mushrooms. It’s important to consume a variety of foods that contain this mineral, as selenium content can vary depending on growing conditions.
Does selenium help with inflammation?
Selenium may also lower markers of inflammation in your body — one of the main risk factors for heart disease. For example, a review of 16 controlled studies including over 433,000 people with heart disease showed that taking selenium supplements decreased levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP).
What foods are good for a syringe?
The following foods are great sources ( 33#N#Trusted Source#N#), ( 34 ): 1 Oysters: 238% of the DV in 3 ounces (85 grams) 2 Brazil nuts: 174% of the DV in one nut (5 grams) 3 Halibut: 171% of the DV in 6 ounces (159 grams) 4 Yellowfin tuna: 167% of the DV in 3 ounces (85 grams) 5 Eggs: 56% of the DV in 2 large eggs (100 grams) 6 Sardines: 46% of the DV in 4 sardines (48 grams) 7 Sunflower seeds: 27% of the DV in 1 ounce (28 grams) 8 Chicken breast: 12% of the DV in 4 slices (84 grams) 9 Shiitake mushrooms: 10% of the DV in 1 cup (97 grams)
Why is Selenium important?
Selenium is important for making many body processes work correctly. It seems to increase the action of antioxidants.
What foods have selenium?
The amount of selenium in food depends on where it is grown or raised. Crab, liver, fish, poultry, and wheat are generally good selenium sources. The amount of selenium in soils varies a lot around the world, which means that the foods grown in these soils also have differing selenium levels.
Can you get preeclampsia from low selenium levels?
Pregnant women with low levels of selenium in the blood might have a higher chance of developing pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy. Pregnant women taking selenium 60-100 mcg daily for up to 6 months during pregnancy might have a lower chance of having pre-eclampsia. Asthma.
Does selenium cause tremors?
Selenium can cause muscle tenderness, tremor, lightheadedness, facial flushing, blood clotting problems, liver and kidney problems, and other side effects. High doses of selenium can cause significant side effects including nausea, vomiting, nail changes, loss of energy, and irritability.
Does selenium help with arthritis?
Evidence on the effects of selenium on rheumatoid arthritis is mixed. Some research suggests that taking yeast enriched with 200 mcg of selenium does not improve RA. However, other research suggests that taking 200 mcg of selenium daily for 3 months reduces joint swelling, tenderness, and stiffness in people with RA.
Does selenium reduce the risk of death?
Other research suggests that sele nium, taken alone or with other nutrients, does not reduce the risk of death.
Does selenium help with dyslipidemia?
Abnormal levels of cholesterol or blood fats (dyslipidemia). Most research shows that taking selenium supplements does not improve cholesterol levels in people with dyslipidemia.