Super Selenium: Benefits and Sources

You may have heard of selenium, a super supplement critical to human nutrition. It’s involved in various functions like detoxification, thyroid health, hormone function, metabolism, and more.

Besides a supplement with a name worthy of the Marvel Universe, what is selenium, and should you bother with it?

Today, we wanted to look at what selenium is, its benefits, and where you can find it so you know everything you need to before you take the plunge (or should we say, “the pill”?).

What Is Selenium?

Selenium is a trace mineral found naturally in foods or produced as a supplement. It plays a significant role in your health by promoting several internal processes like reproduction, DNA synthesis, and safety from oxidation and infection.

According to the National Institutes of Health, selenium is found in an organic and inorganic form. The inorganic forms include selenate and selenite, while the natural ones are selenomethionine and selenocysteine. Both forms should be included in your diet to meet your selenium needs.

What Are the Benefits of Selenium?

Selenium is a key supplement in the body, and there are several benefits of incorporating selenium into your diet.

1.    Preventing Thyroid Disease

Selenium is crucial to proper thyroid function since it’s important in iodine regulation. According to studies, people with low selenium and iodine levels are prone to thyroid problems. However, it’s not clear whether supplementing with selenium can reduce this risk, so more research is necessary to determine how this mineral affects thyroid disease.

2.    Thyroid Health

The thyroid gland has the highest amount of selenium in the human body. With sufficient amounts of this mineral, the thyroid gland is protected against oxidative damage and also promotes regular production of thyroid hormones.

A well-functioning thyroid gland controls human growth and development as well as regulates metabolism. Inadequate levels can result in thyroid conditions that prevent proper body functions.

3.    Supplying Antioxidants and Aiding in Detoxification

As an antioxidant, selenium has properties that help break down toxic peroxides in the body, preventing oxidative damage from pollution, overexercise, mold, and other sources. 

Oxidative damage can lead to early aging, pain, fatigue, and other health issues. Antioxidants, such as selenium, quercetin, and vitamin C, help fight toxins and support immunity.

4.    Reducing Cognitive Impairment Risk with Age

As people age, the levels of selenium in the blood decrease. Scientists are therefore seeking to determine if low amounts of selenium are related to the decline of cognitive function. There are studies that show people with lower selenium amounts have reduced mental capabilities, but there isn’t a definitive link between selenium and memory.

Why Is Selenium Important?

Selenium isn’t just beneficial; it’s necessary. Because it is a mineral that aids in converting the thyroid hormone, your body requires selenium to regulate the amount of iodine in your body. It’s also critical for boosting your immune system, improving hair and nail health, and maintaining healthy thyroid glands.

Sources of Selenium

You can find selenium in foods that grow in selenium-rich soils. The amount of selenium in the soil varies according to the region, which means the plants also have different amounts.

Just as it is for us, selenium content in animals and their by-products depends on the amount of the element in the plants the animals eat.

Risks of Selenium

While the body relies on selenium for essential processes, selenium is toxic in excess doses. Consuming too much selenium can lead to dangerous side effects. The maximum daily intake for adults over 19 years is 400 micrograms.

Below is a list of the Daily Upper Limit of Selenium by age. Exceeding this dose can have harmful, dangerous side effects (and we don’t recommend it!).

• Birth - 6 months = 45 mcg

• Babies 7 - 12 months = 60 mcg

• Children 1 - 3 years = 90 mcg

• Children 4 - 8 years = 150 mcg

• Children 9 - 13 years = 280 mcg

• Teenagers 14 - 18 years = 400 mcg

• Adults 19+ = 400 mcg

Ready to Get Enough Selenium?

As we saw above, selenium is critical for various body functions! However, I’ve found that most of my clients struggle to get enough selenium and other electrolytes in their diets and supplement routines. Here is a good electrolyte to try for a better balance in your body >>>

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Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of women over her career since 2004. She is the founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative llc and HormoneDetoxShop.com.

Check our her easy 5-Day DIY Detox Guide here!

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