Selenium is an essential trace mineral that our body needs to gain benefits from, and avoid risks to our health, by keeping it at trace levels.

Overview

Selenium is essential to numerous body functions, including thyroid hormone metabolism, cognitive function, a healthy immune system, and fertility. Although the human body needs only a trace amount of selenium every day, recent studies have revealed that it is essential for maintaining normal functions of metabolism.

Key Benefits

• Provides powerful antioxidant support
• Reduces inflammation and enhances immunity
• Supports normal thyroid function
• Helps reduce cognitive decline 
• Protects against cardiovascular disease
• May be helpful as a complementary treatment for chronic asthma
• Reduces risk of miscarriage
• Supports prostate health
• Helps protect against viral infections
• May help delay CD4 decline in HIV-infected individuals

History of Usage

Swedish chemist Jons Jacob Berzelium discovered the element selenium in 1817. It is found in tuna, halibut, cod, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, brown nuts, seeds and whole grains, and in soil.

Dr. Klaus Schwarz of the National Institutes of Health presented a report in 1957 that revolutionized selenium research. After feeding laboratory rats baker’s yeast, their liver problems disappeared. He concluded it was due to the selenium, and this discovery led to selenium being recognized as an essential trace mineral in 1969. It has been used for treating hyperthyroid conditions since the 1970s

There are effective benefits from selenium supplementation in areas of soil deficiency. Global deficiency mapping has aided in defining regions where selenium supplementation may be beneficial. Selenium can be provided orally or intravenously to animals or humans. Likewise, it can be added to fertilizers to increase the selenium content of forages and food crops.

Biochemistry

Selenium is a trace element that occurs naturally in the amino acids selenocysteine and selenomethionine. It is required for the activity of glutathione peroxidases and certain kinds of thioredoxin reductase in humans.

Recent Trends

Selenium is present in soil and food. According to studies, sections of Africa and Europe have low selenium levels in their soil, and residents may suffer from selenium deficiency. Manufacturers of Selenium have the potential to expand into emerging markets in Europe and Africa.

Selenium has a wide range of applications, including dietary supplements, agricultural products, and animal feed additives. There is increased opportunity for new businesses to enter the market and benefit from the increasing demand for selenium. It produced 123 million USD in 2019 and is predicted to reach 140 million USD in 2025, increasing at a 2.1% CAGR.

Precautions

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their health care practitioner before taking selenium.
• Selenium is safe for most people when taken as a supplement in doses less than 400 mcg daily, short term. 
• Doses above 400 mcg can result in selenium toxicity, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

References

1. Wang N, Tan HY, Li S, Xu Y, Guo W, Feng Y. Supplementation of Micronutrient Selenium in Metabolic Diseases: Its Role as an Antioxidant. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:7478523. doi: 10.1155/2017/7478523. Epub 2017 Dec 26. PMID: 29441149; PMCID: PMC5758946.
2. Karunasinghe N, Ng L, Wang A, Vaidyanathan V, Zhu S, Ferguson LR. Selenium Supplementation and Prostate Health in a New Zealand Cohort. Nutrients. 2019 Dec 18;12(1):2. doi: 10.3390/nu12010002. PMID: 31861307; PMCID: PMC7019779.
3. Stuss M, Michalska-Kasiczak M, Sewerynek E. The role of selenium in thyroid gland pathophysiology. Endokrynol Pol. 2017;68(4):440-465. doi: 10.5603/EP.2017.0051. PMID: 28819948.
4. Liu H, Xu H, Huang K. Selenium in the prevention of atherosclerosis and its underlying mechanisms. Metallomics. 2017 Jan 25;9(1):21-37. doi: 10.1039/c6mt00195e. PMID: 28009916.
5. Steinbrenner H, Al-Quraishy S, Dkhil MA, Wunderlich F, Sies H. Dietary selenium in adjuvant therapy of viral and bacterial infections. Adv Nutr. 2015 Jan 15;6(1):73-82. doi: 10.3945/an.114.007575. PMID: 25593145; PMCID: PMC4288282.
6. Muzembo BA, Ngatu NR, Januka K, Huang HL, Nattadech C, Suzuki T, Wada K, Ikeda S. Selenium supplementation in HIV-infected individuals: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2019 Dec;34:1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.09.005. Epub 2019 Oct 3. PMID: 31677697.