Also known as...

Elemental Selenium or L-Selenomethionine 

Selenium Basics 

Selenium is one of a number of natural minerals that are essential to the healthy functioning of the human body. Your body needs selenium for many basic functions, from reproduction to fighting infection.

The amount of selenium in different foods depends on the amount of selenium in the soil where the food was grown. Rain, evaporation, pesticides, and pH levels can all affect selenium levels in soil. That makes selenium deficiency more common in certain parts of the world.

Your selenium intake can also be affected if you eat any kind of restricted diet, as many dietary sources of selenium are derived from meat, fish and dairy.

Other factors can make it harder for your body to absorb selenium. For example, you may have difficulty absorbing it if you are receiving dialysis, living with HIV or have a gastrointestinal condition, such as Crohn’s disease.

Additionally, people with Graves’ disease or hypothyroidism should be aware of their selenium intake as it plays a protective role in thyroid health.

Proven health benefits of Selenium (as listed with EFSA) 

1) Maintenance of healthy hair 
2) Maintenance of healthy nails 
3) Contributes to normal spermatogenesis 
4) Contributes to normal immune system function 
5) Contributes to normal thyroid function 
6) Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress (antioxidant) 

What is the recommended daily amount (RDA)

Also known as NRV, Nutrient Reference Value, this is the amount a healthy human body needs to receive daily.
For selenium this is: 55-60mcg per day
Upper tolerable limit (should not be exceeded): 400mcg per day

Best dietary sources of Selenium 

Brazil Nuts 
Fish, Shellfish & Seafood 
Pork, Beef, Chicken & Turkey 
Brown Rice 
Sunflower Seeds 
Eggs, Milk & Yoghurt
Cottage Cheese
Baked Beans & Lentils 
Mushrooms 
Spinach 
Health Supplements using highly absorbable forms such as L-Selenomethionine (Elemental Selenium)