Selenium: All You Need to Know About this Essential Trace Mineral
Many of us yearn for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The shimmering silver lining of the dark clouds that might hang overhead. Something that will magically take all our health problems away.
We can’t promise a quick fix or a pot of gold, but one supplement that shines a glimmer of hope on optimising health and wellbeing, is the essential trace element selenium.
In this blog we will take a look at selenium.
• What is it and where does it come from?
• Decipher the warning signs of selenium deficiency
• Deep dive into the top 3 benefits of selenium for optimal health
• Discover if you need selenium
• Explore how Hair mineral analysis can help you on your wellbeing journey
The Origin of Selenium
Selenium was stumbled upon in 1817 by the ‘Father of Swedish Chemistry’, Jons Jacob Berzelius. Marvelling at this new element, he named it ‘Selene’, the Greek word for moon. As our planet needs the stability of the moon, so it turns out our bodies need selenium. In 1957, the findings of a German scientist, Schwarz, placed selenium amongst the 14 essential trace minerals humans need to survive.
Sources of Selenium
Selenium is not created within our bodies but is obtained through food. Brazil nuts are rich in this micronutrient. Other sources of selenium range from eggs to fish and organ meat to brown rice. But as with much of the food we eat, nutrition levels vary. Europe, China, and New Zealand display low selenium content in the soil, resulting in less selenium in animals and the food we consume (1).
Signs & Symptoms of Selenium Deficiency
Although a healthy diet should provide enough selenium intake, some people are at risk of deficiency. Selenium deficiency can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Here are some common ones:
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Muscle weakness
• Infertility ( male & female)
• Hair loss/ discolouration
• Whitening of nail beds
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Top 3 Selenium Benefits
Let’s take a closer look at this little mineral that may be the silver lining of health problems we can encounter.
1. Thyroid Health
The thyroid is a small gland shaped like a butterfly that rests under your skin at the front of your neck. An essential part of the endocrine system, the thyroid creates and releases two hormones, T3 and T4. These hormones are responsible for regulating metabolism, the rate of each heartbeat, temperature, and even the menstrual cycle (2,3).
Within the thyroid lies selenium intrinsically drawn. There is more selenium in the thyroid tissue than any other tissue in the body. Selenium is an essential component of selenoproteins, the molecules necessary for the body to create and use hormones.
Low selenium levels have been linked to autoimmune diseases. Much research shines a light on selenium supplements preventing or improving conditions such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease. Ensuring adequate selenium intake may optimise thyroid health (4,5).
Another supplement that works in harmony with selenium to optimise thyroid health is iodine. Iodine is a natural trace element vital in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. However, to do this, it requires selenium. Studies show for a healthy functioning thyroid, it is essential to have optimal levels of these two elements. Healthy levels of selenium and iodine may act as a preventative measure in disease and illness (6,7)
2. Immune system
Selenium is deeply rooted in the function of the immune system. From regulating immune cells to activating them, selenoproteins play a large role in inflammation response and immunity.
But when levels of selenium are low, defences are also low, making way for oxidative stress and an increase of free radicals. A weakened immune defence may result in vulnerability to infection and a lower immune response (8).
As selenium captures interest and more studies are done, it appears that the link between selenium enhancing the immune system and a decrease in the risk of cancer is possible (8,9). There is definitely more room to explore and discover the possibilities of such revolutionary potential.
3. Fertility
When we think of fertility, a rich, healthy environment springs to mind, a place that life will thrive in. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that even with a healthy lifestyle, issues arise.
Selenium is intertwined in our endocrine system, creating and controlling hormones. It’s not surprising then how vital it is to fertility. Yet it appears the greatest surprise is not selenium’s involvement in hormones but its defence properties.
Selenium has powerful antioxidant properties. Free radicals occur naturally in the body. We are organically equipped to maintain the balance of free radicals, but with external stressors and possible depleted vitamin and mineral levels, the scales can tip. Oxidative stress can occur, damaging DNA and tissues, leading to disease.
So how does this affect fertility?
Selenium is vital in the growth and motility of sperm. Studies have shown fertility in males can improve with a selenium supplement, increasing successful pregnancy rates. The selenium’s antioxidant properties shine through improving sperm quality and antioxidant capacity. Although more consistent research is needed, it has been established that selenium is necessary for optimal male reproduction (10,11,12).
Before conception, selenium is hard at work, creating a protective environment for reproduction. Its involvement in the female reproductive system is vast. As the womb creates a safe and nurturing environment for a growing life, selenium creates a safe environment for that life to begin. It defends the endometrium, safeguards the developing embryo, and protects the placenta from oxidative stress. Research has discovered selenium’s role as an antioxidant can improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Optimal levels of selenium before and during pregnancy can have a positive impact on the growth and development of the baby (13,14).
How do I know if I need Selenium?
Essential trace elements provide the right environment for our body to function in a healthy way. It is vital these nutrients are at optimal levels. Prior to Schwarz declaring selenium was a vital trace mineral, selenium was thought to be toxic. Many studies sway between the astonishing benefits of selenium in the body and the fear of toxicity. Selenium levels can be tested through hair sampling, giving accurate and true results. Having a clear picture of what your body requires can ease worries and empower you to choose the right supplements for your health and wellbeing (15).
Hair Mineral Analysis
At The Wellness Tailor, we offer Hair Mineral Analysis that can detect hidden mineral deficiencies, including selenium. It is a simple do-at-home test that can give you an insight into the vitamins and minerals your body is craving. Understanding what you are lacking is the first step to creating an optimal environment for health and wellbeing. The Hair Mineral Analysis provides a new perspective on your health. With this vital information, we can support you in finding the right supplements to support and enhance your health.
Selenium & Your Wellness Journey
There is so much more to selenium than our blog has covered, with even more benefits lying unexposed. A small but impactful mineral, selenium is a great defender, optimising thyroid health, enhancing the immune system, and creating the perfect environment for conception, pregnancy, development, and growth.
Discovering your selenium status and ensuring your selenium levels are optimal may be the silver lining to dark clouds overhead when you are struggling with health and wellbeing issues. It is a supplement that promotes health and brings hope to your wellness journey.
To purchase our selenium supplement, click here.
To explore our range of other supplements tailored to meet your needs, click here.
References
1. Shreenath AP, Ameer MA, Dooley J. Selenium Deficiency. [Updated 2022 Jul 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482260/
2. Leonidas H. Duntas, Selenium and the Thyroid: A Close-Knit Connection, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 95, Issue 12, 1 December 2010, Pages 5180–5188, https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-0191
3. Köhrle J. Selenium and the thyroid. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2015 Oct;22(5):392-401. doi: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000190. PMID: 26313901.
4. Ventura M, Melo M, Carrilho F. Selenium and Thyroid Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment. Int J Endocrinol. 2017;2017:1297658. doi: 10.1155/2017/1297658. Epub 2017 Jan 31. PMID: 28255299; PMCID: PMC5307254.
5. Sahebari M, Rezaieyazdi Z, Khodashahi M. Selenium and Autoimmune Diseases: A Review Article. Curr Rheumatol Rev. 2019;15(2):123-134. doi: 10.2174/1573397114666181016112342. PMID: 30324883.
6. Köhrle J. Selenium, Iodine and Iron-Essential Trace Elements for Thyroid Hormone Synthesis and Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 8;24(4):3393. doi: 10.3390/ijms24043393. PMID: 36834802; PMCID: PMC9967593.
7. Hotz CS, Fitzpatrick DW, Trick KD, L’Abbé MR. Dietary Iodine and selenium interact to affect thyroid hormone metabolism of rats. J Nutr. 1997 Jun;127(6):1214-8. doi: 10.1093/jn/127.6.1214. PMID: 9187638.
8. Hoffmann PR, Berry MJ. The influence of selenium on immune responses. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008 Nov;52(11):1273-80. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.200700330. PMID: 18384097; PMCID: PMC3723386.
9. Cai, X. et al. Selenium Exposure and Cancer Risk: an Updated Meta-analysis and Meta-regression. Sci. Rep. 6, 19213; doi: 10.1038/srep19213 (2016).
10. Moslemi MK, Tavanbakhsh S. Selenium-vitamin E supplementation in infertile men: effects on semen parameters and pregnancy rate. Int J Gen Med. 2011 Jan 23;4:99-104. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S16275. PMID: 21403799; PMCID: PMC3048346.
11. Dimitriadis, F.; Borgmann, H.; Struck, J.P.; Salem, J.; Kuru, T.H. Antioxidant Supplementation on Male Fertility—A Systematic Review. Antioxidants 2023, 12, 836. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12040836
12. Alahmar, A.T. The Effect of Selenium Therapy on Semen Parameters, Antioxidant Capacity, and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Men with Idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratospermia. Biol Trace Elem Res (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-023-03638-8
13. Dahlen CR, Reynolds LP, Caton JS. Selenium supplementation and pregnancy outcomes. Front Nutr. 2022 Oct 31;9:1011850. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1011850. PMID: 36386927; PMCID: PMC9659920.
14. Pieczyńska J, Grajeta H. The role of selenium in human conception and pregnancy. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2015 Jan;29:31-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.07.003. Epub 2014 Jul 19.
PMID: 25175508.
15. Shreenath AP, Ameer MA, Dooley J. Selenium Deficiency. [Updated 2022 Jul 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482260/
