Monograph

As an essential trace mineral and potent antioxidant, selenium can boost the immune system, neutralize free radicals, regulate the metabolism, and support sexual reproduction. NUTRAscriptives® Selenium can replenish selenium levels to help maintain good health.
 

Description

Selenium is an essential trace element that protects cells from oxidative stress, normalizes metabolic cellular processing, and aids thyroid regulation.

Research

Cellular Immunity

Selenium can activate cellular immunity by restoring normal cellular function.[1] It is an essential part in the production of glutathione peroxidase enzymes that protect cells from oxidative damage. Several studies have observed low selenium levels are associated with the development of abnormal cell proliferation throughout the body. Specifically, selenium has shown promise in protecting the lungs, colon, and prostate from excessive cell production; yet, selenium's antioxidant benefits extend to several body systems.[2]

One study observed that selenium's antioxidant activity improved circulation and protected the liver from free radical damage in rats after liver ischemia/reperfusion injuries (procedure to restore normal blood flow).[3]

Individuals with kidney ailments often have low selenium levels and weakened immunity. A three-month study administered selenium to patients with kidney ailments finding supplementation stimulated the immune system.[4]

Colon Health

Studies concerning colon health have found low selenium levels may affect colon function. A cross-sectional study found that low selenium levels were related to an increased formation of polyps in the colon.[5]

Another study found that individuals with abnormal cell growth in the colon had low selenium levels in their blood. Patients that received selenium had improved cellular immunity and reduced abnormal cell proliferation, because selenium boosted cell-mediated immunity.[6]

Lung Health

The lungs depend on antioxidants, including selenium, for protection against free radicals. Selenium's role in lung health has been extensively examined to find low selenium levels can lead to abnormal cell growth in the lungs. A longitudinal study collected blood samples from 9,101 healthy individuals in 1968 – 1976. Follow-up research in 1991 indicated 95 subjects had developed lung problems related to abnormal cells, as they had very low selenium levels.[7] Another study of 37 male patients with abnormal cell production in the lungs found low selenium levels were linked to a reduction in lung health.[8]

Studies have found that individuals with the highest dietary intake of selenium and antioxidants had a significantly lower risk for lung dysfunction and ailments, as much as a 50% reduction in risk.[9],[10]

Selenium improved lung health in a region of China that has a high incidence of lung ailments. A one-year study recruited 40 Chinese miners to take selenium (300 mcg) or a placebo. Results indicated selenium supplementation increased glutathione peroxidase by 156%, while it reduced lipid peroxide levels by 75% (measures for cellular damage).1

Prostate Health

Selenium is predominately found in the tissue of the prostate gland and low selenium levels may be related to abnormal prostate function. One study found selenium supplementation was beneficial to prostate health, as selenium circulates through the prostate to aid normal cellular production.[11] Another study measured serum selenium levels in 212 men with abnormal cell function in the prostate and 233 men with normal prostate health. Low serum levels were related to prostate ailments concluding selenium may reduce the risk of abnormal cell growth.[12]

A research trial examined the effects of selenium (200 mcg/day) on various risks related to cellular dysfunction finding selenium significantly protected normal cellular function in the prostate gland.[13]

Fertility/Reproduction

Low selenium levels have a significant relation to male infertility. One study measured selenium blood levels in 60 infertile and 40 healthy males. The study found that serum levels had a significant correlation with the secretion of testosterone, as optimal selenium levels improved sperm motility, viability, and morphology.[14]

A three-month study recruited 69 male patients to take selenium with vitamins A, C, and E, or a placebo. Researchers found selenium supplementation improved selenium blood levels and sperm motility in 56% of the patients, while a slight decrease in sperm motility was found in the placebo group.[15]

Another study observed the effects of selenium and vitamin E on protecting sperm against the formation of oxidative stress. Subjects received vitamin E (400 mg) and selenium (225 mcg) for three months finding these nutrients reduced the formation of oxidative stress and improved sperm motility.[16]

In addition, selenium is crucial to women who are pregnant or breast feeding as it aids in fetal development[17] and a newborn's immune system.[18]

Inflammation

Selenium plays a role in regulating the inflammatory response. Individuals that have symptoms of systemic inflammatory response (inflammation of the entire body) often have exposure to severe oxidative stress and low levels of selenium.[19] One study found that selenium supplementation can reduce symptoms of systemic inflammatory response in ill patients. Subjects taking selenium had a reduced incidence of kidney problems associated with systemic inflammation.[20]

As part of the normal inflammation response, selenium can relieve joint inflammation. One study recruited 72 patients with joint ailments to take fish oil and selenium (200 mcg) or fish oil and a placebo for three months. Patients taking selenium and fish oil found relief to joint swelling, tenderness, and stiffness, while there was no effect in the placebo group.[21]

Cognitive & Mood Support

Selenium is important to the brain for various reasons including mood balance, memory, and maintaining cognitive function. Low levels of selenium have been linked to mood imbalances leading to anxiety, hostility, confusion, and low mood.[22]

An eight-week study measured selenium deficiencies in elderly subjects and observed the effect of selenium supplementation on their mood. The study found that individuals with low selenium serum levels had a significantly lower mood and an increase in selenium levels improved mood disposition.[23]

Another study indicated selenium improved mood in 30 healthy young men. Subjects felt more relaxed, confident, clear, and positive in the optimally dosed selenium group.[24]

A rapid decline in brain function has been related to low selenium levels, as one study indicated patients with memory loss only had 60% of the optimal selenium levels that were observed in healthy patients.[25]

Cardiovascular Function

The antioxidant effects of selenium on the body reduce the formation of oxidative stress in the heart. Selenium protects the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury (unblocking constricted blood supply) by reducing the formation of oxidative stress that forms in the process.[26]

A similar study found that selenium reduced oxidative stress that leads to cardiovascular complications in patients with insulin imbalances. The activation of proteins that lead to oxidative stress were reduced to the same levels found in subjects without insulin ailments.[27]

Selenium's role in producing glutathione peroxidase enzymes is crucial to normal endothelial function and overall heart health, as it reduces harmful peroxidation and homocysteine levels.[28]

Thyroid Health

A three-month study found that selenium supplementation reduced the production of harmful antibodies (thyroid peroxidase antibody) that fight normal thyroid function. Results among 47 patients with thyroid ailments indicated selenium supplementation (200 mcg) suppressed the production of thyroid peroxidase antibodies to aid normal thyroid function.[29] Similarly, a study found the antioxidant combination of selenium, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene significantly helped normalize thyroid function in patients with an overactive thyroid gland.[30]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Up to 900 mcg per day

Precautions

The maximum safe dosage of this supplement has not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid taking doses greater than the RDA amount of selenium (60 to 70 mcg per day). Excessively high doses of selenium can lead to dry hair, brittle nails, fatigue, irritability, nausea, and vomiting.

Drug Interactions

There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Yu, SY, Mao, BL, Xiao, P, et al. Intervention trial with selenium for the prevention of lung cancer among tin miners in Yunnan, China. A pilot study. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1990 Feb; 24(2):105-108.

[2] Fleet, JC. Dietary selenium repletion may reduce cancer incidence in people at high risk who live in areas with low soil selenium. Nutr Rev. 1997 Jul; 55(7):277-279.

[3] Zapletal, C, Heyne, S, Breitkreutz, R, Gebhard, MM, Golling, M. The influence of selenium substitution on microcirculation and glutathione metabolism after warm liver ischemia/reperfusion in a rat model. Microvasc Res. 2008 May 15.

[4] Bonomini, M, Forster, S, De Risio, F, et al. Effects of selenium supplementation on immune parameters in chronic uraemic patients on haemodialysis. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 1995: 10(9):1654-1661.

[5] Russo, MW, Murray, SC, Wurzelmann, JI, et al. Plasma selenium levels and the risk of colorectal adenomas. Nutr Cancer. 1997; 28(2):125-129.

[6] Yu, B, Wang, M, Li, D. The relationship between selenium and immunity in large bowel cancer. Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 1996 Jan; 34(1):50-53.

[7] Knekt, P, Marniemi, J, Teppo, L, et al. Is low selenium status a risk factor for lung cancer? Am J Epidemiol. 1998 Nov; 148(10):975-982.

[8] Della, RF, Granata, A, Familiari, D, et al. Histamine and selenium in lung cancer. Anticancer Res. 2006 Jul; 26(4B):2937-2942.

[9] Van den Brandt PA, Goldbohm RA, et al. A prospective cohort study on selenium status and the risk of lung cancer. Cancer Res. 1993 Oct; 53(20):4860-4865.

[10] Wright, ME, Mayne, ST, Stolzenberg-Solomon, RZ, et al. Development of a comprehensive dietary antioxidant index and application to lung cancer risk in a cohort of male smokers. Am J Epidemiol. 2004 Jul; 160(1):68-76.

[11] Sabichi, AL, Lee, JJ, Taylor, RJ, et al. Selenium accumulation in prostate tissue during a randomized, controlled short-term trial of l-selenomethionine: a Southwest Oncology Group Study. Clin Cancer Res. 2006 Apr; 12(7):2178-2184.

[12] Vogt, TM, Ziegler, RG, Graubard, BI, et al. Serum selenium and risk of prostate cancer in U.S. blacks and whites. Int J Cancer. 2003 Feb; 103(5):664-670.

[13] Duffield-Lillico, AJ, Dalkin, BL, Reid, ME, et al. Selenium supplementation, baseline plasma selenium status and incidence of prostate cancer: an analysis of the complete treatment period of the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Trial. BJU Int. 2003 May; 91(7):608-612.

[14] Akinloye, O, Arowojolu, AO, et al. Selenium status of idiopathic infertile Nigerian males. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2005 Apr; 104(1):9-18.

[15] Scott, R, MacPherson, A, Yates, RW, et al. The effect of oral selenium supplementation on human sperm motility. Br J Urol. 1998 Jul; 82(1):76-80.

[16] Keskes-Ammar, L, Feki-Chakroun, N, Rebai, T, et al. Sperm oxidative stress and the effect of an oral vitamin E and selenium supplement on semen quality in infertile men. Arch Androl. 2003; 49(2):83-94.

[17] Dylewski, ML, Mastro, AM, Picciano, MF. Maternal selenium nutrition and neonatal immune system development. Biol Neonate. 2002 Aug; 82(2):122-127.

[18] Dorea, JG. Selenium and breast-feeding. Br J Nutr. 2002 Nov; 88(5):443-461.

[19] Gartner, R, Angstwurm, M. Significance of selenium in intensive care medicine. Clinical studies of patients with SIRS/sepsis syndrome. Med Klin. 1999 Oct; 94(3):54-57.

[20] Angstwurm, MW, Schottdorf, J, et al. Selenium replacement in patients with severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome improves clinical outcome. Crit Care Med. 1999 Sep; 27(9):1807-1813.

[21] Heinle, K, Adam, A, Gradi, M, et al. Selenium concentration in erythrocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical and laboratory chemistry infection markers during administration of selenium. Med Klin. 1997 Sept. 15; 92(3):29-31.

[22] Benton, D. Selenium intake, mood and other aspects of psychological functioning. Nutr Neurosci. 2002 Dec; 5(6):363-374.

[23] Gosney, MA, Hammond, MF, et al. Effect of Micronutrient Supplementation on Mood in Nursing Home Residents. Gerontology. 2008 May 8.

[24] Finley, JW, Penland, JG. Adequacy or deprivation of dietary selenium in healthy men: clinical and psychological findings. J Trace Elem Exp Med. 1998;11:11-27.

[25] Hawkes, WC, Hornbostel, L. Effects of dietary selenium on mood in healthy men living in a metabolic research unit. Biol Psychiatr. 1996 Jan 15; 39(2):121-128.

[26] Turan, B, Saini, HK, Zhang, M, et al. Selenium improves cardiac function by attenuating the activation of NF-kappaB due to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2005; 7(9-10):1388-1397.

[27] Faure, P, Ramon, O, Favier, A, Halimi, S. Selenium supplementation decreases nuclear factor-kappa B activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from type 2 diabetic patients. Eur J Clin Invest. 2004 Jul; 34(7):475-481.

[28] De Lorgeril, M, Salen, P. Selenium and antioxidant defenses as major mediators in the development of chronic heart failure. Heart Fail Rev. 2006 Mar; 11(1):13-17.

[29] Gartner, R, Gasnier, BC. Selenium in the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis. Biofactors. 2003; 19(3-4):165-170.

[30] Vrca, VB, Skreb, F, et al. Supplementation with antioxidants in the treatment of Graves' disease; the effect on glutathione peroxidase activity and concentration of selenium. Clin Chim Acta. 2004 Mar; 341(1-2):55-63.