Selenium, Whats so important about Selenium?

Selenium(Se) is an important trace mineral, it is necessary for the production of various enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase(GPx). For years we have known that our soil is deficient in this simple trace element and yet the general populace is often warned of selenium toxicity when in reality the far more likely situation for many of us is in fact a severe selenium deficiency!

Se deficiency can lead to conditions that could include:

• Thyroid dysfunction.
• Infertility
• Immune dysfunction
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Cancer
• Mood disorders
• Prostate problems
• Asthma
  

More and more the research shows just how important Se is and the dose formerly used as the maximum daily amount, is now suggested a the minimum we should be using if we are supplementing our diet with Se in some form.

The organic form of Se is bound to sulphur containing amino acids, such as methionine. Dietary sources of selenomethionine come from plants, animals and supplements. Inorganic forms are selenites or selenates found mostly in supplements. Selenomethionine is absorbed more efficiently than inorganic Se and is thought to be the type found in selenium-yeast, often used in supplement studies.

Different biological markers are used to determine whether or not Se levels are adequate in the body, these may include hair samples, observation of GPx activity, and also selenoprotein P.

In a nut shell, the EPA in the USA has set a reference dose of Se at 5mcg/kg body weight, this equates to 350mcg/day for a 70Kg person. Upper limits suggested by the US Food and Nutrition Board are 400mcg/day (and a level where no adverse effects have been observed is 800mcg/day).


If you are looking through our website you will come across the Bio-Link Selenium which is a high quality organic selenium combined with the amino acids from rice that improves uptake and utilisation. This product delivers 150mcg per capsule and is excellent value.