5 Best Selenium Supplements To Buy 2024: Top Brand Reviews

Selenium is an essential mineral that is needed by the body in small amounts for several important processes, including DNA synthesis, proper functioning of the thyroid gland, hormone metabolism, and reproduction. It also functions as a powerful antioxidant to help lower oxidative stress and fight inflammation in the body.

Selenium is found in the soil, water, and foods like Brazil nuts, pork, beef, and eggs. Selenium concentrations in plants vary based on the selenium content of the soil they are grown in.

Many people with confirmed selenium deficiencies are advised to take a selenium supplement to prevent or treat low selenium levels.

This article will discuss the health benefits of selenium and the best selenium supplements to buy in 2022.

5 Best Selenium Supplements On The Market 2024

Selenium Supplement Benefits

Selenium supplements can offer several health benefits, especially to people with a confirmed deficiency. They may also provide benefits to certain populations, such as those with autoimmune thyroid disease^[12].

Here are some of the research-based benefits of selenium.

Skin Health

Studies^[13] suggest that selenium plays a key role in skin health. In particular, it helps protect the skin against harmful damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Researchers also believe that selenium supplementation may be beneficial for improving psoriasis.

Selenium also aids in the production of glutathione peroxidase^[14], an enzyme that fights inflammation.

Many individuals with acne have low levels of selenium and glutathione peroxidase. One study^[15] in people with acne found that supplementing 400 micrograms of selenium and 20 milligrams of vitamin E daily for twelve weeks led to symptom improvement. Results were more profound in people with low baseline glutathione peroxidase activity.

Supports a Healthy Immune System

Selenium has high antioxidant properties and may help fight off oxidative stress, reducing inflammation in the body and improving immune health.

Studies^[16] suggest that selenium supplements may enhance immunity in people with moderate to low levels.

Research^[17] also shows that people with HIV or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are more likely to have low selenium levels, which is associated with disease progression and mortality. It is also believed that selenium supplements may slow disease progression. However, we need more studies to verify this.

Heart Disease

More than 70%^[18] of people with heart failure have suboptimal selenium levels of less than <100 μg/L. This is associated with a decreased quality of life, lower exercise capacity, and a worse prognosis. 

Selenoproteins^[1] (proteins containing selenium) may also impact cardiovascular health because they prevent fat oxidation, which can reduce inflammation and prevent the risk of blood clots.

At this time, however, we still need additional research^[19] to confirm how selenium in food and supplements can benefit heart health.

Thyroid Health

Selenium plays a significant role in regulating thyroid function by supporting thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism. Selenium concentration in the body is higher in the thyroid gland^[1] than in any other area of the body.

Studies^[8] suggest that having optimal levels of selenium is necessary to protect against disorders of the thyroid gland and support overall health. 

Similarly, those with a low intake of selenium-rich foods or supplements are at a greater risk for thyroid disease^[20]. 

Again, more research is needed to determine whether selenium can prevent thyroid disease, but there is a clear connection. Many researchers^[8] believe selenium has a U-Shaped relationship with thyroid disease, suggesting that too little and too much selenium in the diet can cause negative health outcomes.

Cognitive Function

Experts^[21] believe selenium’s antioxidant properties can help prevent chronic oxidative stress within the brain. Oxidative stress in the brain is linked to mood disorders, behavioral problems, and reduced brain function.

In particular, there is limited evidence to suggest that selenium may be beneficial for improving cognitive function in individuals with hypothyroidism.

A newer 2021 study^[22] on older American individuals also found that those with higher blood selenium levels have higher cognitive scores.

Potential Selenium Supplement Side Effects

Taking a higher than the recommended amount of selenium can lead to unpleasant symptoms. Early symptoms^[1] of excess selenium intake are a metallic taste in the mouth and garlic-smelling breath.

Over time, chronically high selenium intakes can lead to

• Hair loss
• Nail brittleness
• Skin lesions
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Rashes
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Spotted tooth enamel

If you take large a substantial amount of selenium at one time, it can cause acute selenium toxicity^[1], which can lead to the following severe symptoms:

• Severe stomach discomfort
• Respiratory distress
• Hair loss
• Muscle tenderness
• Kidney failure
• Heart failure

Acute selenium toxicity is rare, and most incidents occur after someone takes an incorrectly formulated over-the-counter supplement. For example, one case report^[23] found that 201 people experienced acute selenium toxicity after consuming liquid selenium drops that contained 200 times the labeled concentration of selenium. 

This is why it is best practice for your safety to choose a supplement that has been third-party tested and has a seal of approval from a governing body such as NSF.

How To Choose The Best Selenium Supplement?

There are so many selenium supplements on the market. Honestly, it can get overwhelming. A trip down the supplement aisle at your local supermarket can leave you asking, “what is the best selenium supplement?”

The good news is that we’ve done the research for you. Here are a few things to consider before purchasing selenium supplements.

Third-Party Testing

As mentioned earlier, supplements that are not formulated correctly can have adverse effects. Choose a brand that utilizes third-party testing, which involves an outside party evaluating a product and vouching for its quality.

It’s important to note that not all third-party testing is created equal. ConsumerLab, USP (United States Pharmacopeia), and NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) are the most reliable third-party testing organizations. Many supplement manufacturers also say that their product is third-party tested, but the bottle lacks an official seal of approval from these organizations to confirm this.

Ingredients

It’s also essential to carefully read the ingredient list to know what is in your supplement. Some supplements contain selenium and zinc or additional nutrients such as vitamin E. 

If you are already taking a multivitamin, check the % Daily Value (DV) for each nutrient to avoid getting too much.

Selenium Type

Selenium supplements generally exist in two forms: organic and inorganic. According to the ODS^[1], both are good sources of selenium. However, many studies^[24] suggest that organic selenium is better absorbed and used by the body than inorganic selenium. 

Although some prefer to consume the amino acid chelated form of selenium (selenium glycinate), there is no substantial evidence to suggest that it is absorbed more efficiently than other types of selenium supplements.

Selenium is also better absorbed in the presence of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E.

Final Thought

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that aids in DNA production and the metabolism of thyroid hormones. It also helps protect against infections and cellular damage. Selenium deficiencies are linked to cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and a weakened immune system.

At this time, no solid research suggests there are benefits associated with taking more than the RDA for selenium.

Most experts agree that most healthy adults in the United States get enough selenium through their diet. However, some populations are at risk of a deficiency and may require supplementation.

As always, speak with your healthcare provider before changing your diet or supplement regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

---