Selenium
Benefits of Selenium
- Hair and nails
- Thyroid function
- Immune system
- Protection of cells from oxidative stress
- Form: L-Selenomethionine
- Food Source: Nuts (especially Brazil nuts), bread, sunflower seeds, brown rice, chickpeas, beans, broccoli, spinach and mushrooms.
What is Selenium?
Selenium is an important mineral with antioxidant activity. This means it is involved in 'scavenging' and neutralising 'free radicals', which are unstable molecules. Selenium works alongside iodine, which contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones.
What does Selenium do?
Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system, to normal spermatogenesis and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. It also contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal nails, and to normal thyroid function.
Along with other vitamins and minerals, selenium has been looked at in research on the role of vitamins and minerals in hair. Researchers have also reviewed selenium supplementation in relation to thyroid function.
Minerals like selenium have also been studied in relation to mood. Researchers have reviewed the evidence on zinc, magnesium and selenium and looked at mineral intakes and mood in US adults.
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Why it's in Stay Calm®
Selenium is a trace mineral that plays a role in antioxidant defence, immune function, and regulation of thyroid hormones.
Antioxidant protection: Selenium is a major component of glutathione peroxidase. Chronic stress leads to the overproduction of free radicals, which can damage cells and tissues. By reducing oxidative stress via glutathione production, Selenium helps prevent the long-term damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, which can be triggered by chronically raised cortisol levels.
Modulation of inflammation: Selenium has potent anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease the systemic inflammation associated with chronic stress, supporting the tissues in the brain.
Regulation of thyroid function: Selenium plays a role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones which are needed for regulating energy levels, mood, and stress responses. Selenium supports the conversion of T4 (thyroxine) to the active form T3 (triiodothyronine), which is essential for maintaining metabolic balance during times of stress.
Immune system support: Chronic stress suppresses immune function. Selenium helps strengthen the immune response by supporting the function of immune cells including T-cells, B-cells, and macrophages. By enhancing immune function, selenium helps the body cope with infections or illnesses that may arise as a result of stress.
Mood and cognitive function: Selenium has a beneficial impact on cognition and mood regulation1 by preventing oxidative damage to brain cells. Selenium deficiency has been linked to depression and anxiety, which are often worsened by chronic stress.
Why it's in OsteoFriend®
Selenium, through selenoproteins like glutathione peroxidase, protects osteoblasts from oxidative damage. Deficiency is associated with reduced bone mineral density and increased osteoclast activity due to elevated inflammation and oxidative stress.2
Why it's in Daily Multivitamin and Women's ProMulti
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that plays a role in antioxidant defence and thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium is a key component of selenoproteins, including glutathione peroxidases, which protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralising free radicals. This activity is vital for reducing cellular stress and inflammation. Selenium is essential for the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to the more active triiodothyronine (T3), a crucial hormone for regulating metabolism. Adequate Selenium levels support optimal thyroid function and hormone synthesis. Selenium enhances immune response by promoting the proliferation and activation of immune cells, particularly T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, improving the body’s defence against infections.
Why it's in Pregnancy Multinutrient
Selenium is needed for antioxidant defence and thyroid function during pregnancy. Adequate Selenium levels are associated with reduced risks of premature birth and growth-restricted infants. Supplementation throughout pregnancy has shown positive effects on placental growth, foetal development and postnatal outcomes.3
Why it's in Kid's ProMulti
Required for glutathione peroxidase activity; deficiency in children increases viral infection susceptibility and may impair vaccine response.4
Why it's in Men's ProMulti
Selenium is a potent antioxidant that plays a role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. As a component of selenoproteins, including glutathione peroxidase, Selenium contributes to the maintenance of redox balance and supports immune system function.5
Why it's in Skin Saviour®
Selenium is a trace element and essential cofactor for glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione peroxidase is the master antioxidant enzyme and helps to protect the skin cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Inflammatory modulation: Selenium reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, aiding in the management of chronic skin conditions, such as ectopic dermatitis, acne and psoriasis.6,7
Protection against photoaging: Selenium supplementation can improve skin elasticity and reduce the formation of wrinkles by mitigating oxidative stress.8
Why it's in MenoFriend® and PeriMenoFriend®
Selenium is necessary for optimal thyroid function. It forms part of selenoproteins and antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidases. Oxidative stress increases during hormonal shifts, making Selenium beneficial.
Thyroid support and metabolism: Selenium supports the conversion of T4 into T3. Proper thyroid function regulates metabolism, alleviating weight gain, fatigue, and mood changes caused by hormonal imbalances.
Immune system support: Hormone decline is accompanied by reduced immunity. Selenium promotes the production and activity of T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells.
Bone health: Selenium modulates the bone remodelling process, influencing the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This supports bone density and strength.
Zinc
Zinc is essential for the normal functioning of our immune system, and for the health of our hair and skin. Infections, hair loss and white marks on nails are among the signs of a deficiency.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is vital for our immune system, fighting off infections and in the production of white blood cells. It is also essential for healthy skin, vision and eye health.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital for our immune health, wound healing and for the health of our skin through its central role in collagen production and supporting blood vessels feeding our skin.
Copper
Copper is an essential nutrient which our body doesn’t produce, so we need to gain it in our diet. It supports a range of functions from our nervous and immune systems to the healthy colour of our hair.
Folate
Folate is required in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of new cells. It is needed in during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus.
Inulin
Inulin is a gut-friendly fibre that helps friendly, active bacteria in your gut to grow. Inulin is a 'prebiotic', and prebiotics are vital to the health of probiotics.
Iodine
Iodine is an important mineral needed for the production of thyroid hormones, helping maintain the body’s metabolic rate, healthy skin and hair, and is crucial during pregnancy.
L-Glycine
L-Glycine is an amino acid that has a calming and regenerative effect, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, enhancing sleep quality, and reducing feelings of tiredness during the day.
