Selenium

7 min readEvidence-linked topicGreen Medicine Encyclopedia

Overview

Selenium (Se) is a micromineral, a trace element, that is essential in small amounts.

 

Topic Contents

 Selenium - Health Benefits

 Selenium - Immune System Health Benefits

 Selenium - Substances Enhanced by

 Selenium - Toxins Counteracted by

 Selenium - Dietary Sources

 Selenium - Biochemical Testing of Selenium Status

These Substances may Enhance the Function of Selenium

Amino Acids

 Methionine is essential for the absorption, transport and bioavailability of Selenium and is the most effective Amino Acid for chelation with Selenium supplements.

 Taurine may facilitate the transport of Selenium into and out of the body''s Cells. 

Minerals

 Sulfur may help to transport Selenium around the body.

Vitamins

 Vitamin B2 may reduce the body’s urinary excretion of Selenium and thereby facilitates the retention of Selenium.  [1]

 Vitamin C may facilitate the conversion of inorganic forms of Selenium (Selenates and Selenites) into active organic forms.  [2]

 Supplemental Vitamin E may reduce the requirement for Selenium when Selenium is deficient - Vitamin E is highly with Selenium.  [3] 

These Substances may Interfere with Selenium

Minerals

 Arsenic may deplete the body''s supplies of Selenium (due to Selenium being utilized in the chelation of Arsenic from the body).

 Cadmium may deplete the body''s supplies of Selenium (due to Selenium being utilized in the chelation of Cadmium from the body).

 Mercury may deplete the body''s supplies of Selenium (due to Selenium being utilized in the chelation of Mercury from the body).  [4]

 Silver may deplete the body''s Selenium reserves. 

Recreational Substances

 Alcohol may deplete the body''s Selenium supplies - Alcoholics are often deficient in Selenium.  [5]

 Tobaccosmoking may deplete the body''s Selenium reserves.  [6]

Vitamins

 Vitamin C may inhibit the absorption of the Sodium Selenite, but not the other forms of Selenium.

Other Factors that may Interfere with Selenium

Digestive System

 Most Celiac Disease patients are found to be deficient in Selenium (indicating that supplemental Selenium may benefit Celiac Disease patients).  [7]

Exercise

 Excessive Exercise or Endurance Exercise may increase the excretion of Selenium from the body.  [8]

Nervous System

 Excessive Stress may cause the depletion of Selenium.

Keep reading Selenium

  • Selenium may Interfere with these Substances
  • Growth Factors
  • Minerals
  • Toxic Effects of (Inorganic) Selenium
  • Digestive System
  • Immune System
  • 14 more sections
  • Every cited reference behind this topic
  • All 5,000+ interlinked topics, search and notes

No credit card needed to start a trial. Already a member? Log in

Reading 24% of this topic Unlock it free