Overview

SELENIUM   What is selenium. Selenium is an essential trace element, meaning our bodies only need a small amount [[1]]. We can get selenium from the foods we eat or from supplements [[2]].   Selenium intake is essential to ensure the proper function of selenoproteins, which get their name, in part, from selenium [[3]]. Selenium is a crucial aspect of selenoproteins, which help make DNA and are involved in the antiviral response. More generally, selenoproteins protect against cell damage [1]].

How it works:

Selenium is involved in brain, hormone, heart, blood vessel, and immune functions. Our bodies also need selenium for antioxidant processes. Selenium deficiency increases susceptibility to COVID-19. Dietary selenium is needed for proper immune function, and may protect against certain diseases, such as cancers, asthma, and heart disease. Selenium is thought to prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading due to its ability to shut down the cancer cell cycle, promoting cell death of tumor cells, and initiating DNA repair.

Dosage Form: Tablet Dietary supplement: Oral: ~100 mcg/day or as directed by health care provider. | Parenteral nutrition additive: IV: 60 to 100 mcg/day (ASPEN [Vanek 2012]).

Common Usage: Supporting brain, hormone, heart, blood vessel, and immune function