Selenium (Amino Acid Chelate)

Selenium (amino acid chelate)

Selenium is a trace element, which is widely found in soil, water and certain food groups. While people only need a very small amount, selenium is critical to many of the body’s basic functions including protecting cells from damaging free radicals and boosting the production of thyroid hormones.

Benefits of Selenium

A large body of high quality research shows the many benefits of selenium in human health:

Lowers Risk for Heart Disease

Low levels of selenium are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, twenty-five observational studies found that a 50% increase in selenium concentrations in the blood was associated with a 24% reduction in coronary heart disease risk.^[1]

Defends Against Cancer

Selenium is needed to protect cells and DNA against damaging free radicals and mutations that can cause cancer.^[2] According to studies, selenium is effective at reducing the risk of cancer incidence, cancer-related deaths and severity of various types of cancers specifically in the prostate, colon, rectum, liver and lungs, by slowing cancer progression and tumor growth.^[3]

Boosts Immune Function

As a highly potent antioxidant, selenium may help protect not only against free radicals but also against harmful foreign bodies including virus and bacteria. In fact, selenium can help boost the immune system of HIV-infected patients and can even slow down the progression of the disease.^[4] In addition, one study revealed that selenium supplementation in HIV-infected individuals reduced hospitalizations and improved white blood cell counts,^[5] suggesting that selenium can treat a wide array of infections.   

Maintains Healthy Pregnancy

The levels of selenium during pregnancy are critical to the health of both the mother and baby. Studies show that pregnant women who took selenium supplements reduced their risk of miscarriage.^[6] In addition, a study of 52 women who took selenium dietetic liquid (100 micrograms daily) for 6-8 weeks during late pregnancy, prevented and decreased the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension.^[7]   

Encourages Detoxification

Metals are among the most toxic substances. In the human body, higher levels of mercury can have detrimental effects on the brain, digestive system, immune system, lungs and kidneys. In one study assessing the effects of daily organic selenium supplementation in Chinese residents suffering from elevated mercury exposure, a significant increase in mercury excretion was observed in participants who took 100 micrograms of selenium compared to placebo.^[8]     

Prevents Cognitive Decline

Cognitive impairment including problems with memory, thinking and communicating is a major public health issue in the elderly. Studies have shown that low selenium status is a risk factor for cognitive decline.^[9] Interestingly, one study revealed that higher levels of selenium in the elderly were associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline.^[10]     

Improves Mood and Well-Being

Deficiency in selenium has been linked to adverse mood states. In one clinical trial, patients who took 100 micrograms of selenium daily for 5 weeks reported a substantial improvement in mood after both 2.5 and 5 weeks.^[11]

References:

1. Flores-mateo G, Navas-acien A, Pastor-barriuso R, Guallar E. Selenium and coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;84(4):762-73.
2. Rayman MP. The importance of selenium to human health. Lancet. 2000;356(9225):233-41.
3. Rayman MP. Selenium in cancer prevention: a review of the evidence and mechanism of action. Proc Nutr Soc. 2005;64(4):527-42.
4. Rayman MP. The importance of selenium to human health. Lancet. 2000;356(9225):233-41.
5. Stone CA, Kawai K, Kupka R, Fawzi WW. Role of selenium in HIV infection. Nutr Rev. 2010;68(11):671-81.
6. Hansen JC, Deguchi Y. Selenium and fertility in animals and man–a review. Acta Vet Scand. 1996;37(1):19-30.
7. Han L, Zhou SM. Selenium supplement in the prevention of pregnancy induced hypertension. Chin Med J. 1994;107(11):870-1.
8. Li YF, Dong Z, Chen C, et al. Organic selenium supplementation increases mercury excretion and decreases oxidative damage in long-term mercury-exposed residents from Wanshan, China. Environ Sci Technol. 2012;46(20):11313-8.
9. Berr C, Arnaud J, Akbaraly TN. Selenium and cognitive impairment: a brief-review based on results from the EVA study. Biofactors. 2012;38(2):139-44.
10. Akbaraly TN, Akbaraly NT, Hininger-favier I, et al. Plasma selenium over time and cognitive decline in the elderly. Epidemiology. 2007;18(1):52-8.
11. Benton D, Cook R. Selenium supplementation improves mood in a double-blind crossover trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1990;102(4):549-50.