5 min
Sélénium
The article in a few key points
Selenium is a trace element, not synthesized by the body, but essential for its optimal functioning.
Its properties act on our immune system, our thyroid function, but also on our cells by combating oxidative stress.
Some people are more prone to deficiencies, especially if you eat an exclusively plant-based diet, or if you suffer from an intestinal disease. Smokers and pregnant women may also be more prone to selenium deficiency. This is characterized by various symptoms such as headaches, immune weakness and thyroid problems.
Selenium intake can be provided through food (vegetables, cereals, nuts, mustard seeds) or through certain complete food supplements.
Discovered by Swedish chemists Berzelius and Gahn in 1817, selenium is used for multiple purposes today. In addition to its use in chemistry, agriculture or even for the manufacture of glass, it is used in the pharmacological and medical fields mainly as an antioxidant .
If it is good for the immune system , it has many other virtues. So what is selenium? What are its benefits for our health? Let's go together to discover this trace element with many facets.
What is selenium?
Selenium is an essential trace element for the optimal functioning of our body.
It has so-called depurative functions and promotes the elimination of toxic molecules present in our body. It is an excellent antioxidant , which contributes in particular to supporting the immune system. The heart and the thyroids are also affected by its actions, but we'll tell you about that below!
Selenium is not produced directly by our body and must therefore be supplied externally through diet or supplementation. The latter is also an interesting option to supplement your contributions if you think you are lacking.
Sources of Selenium
As we have just seen, selenium comes from our diet.
It is mainly found in certain fish (tuna or herring, for example), seafood, offal, roast pork, lentils, but also in oilseeds, led by the Brazil nut. Whole grains, raisins, certain vegetables and mustard seeds are also excellent sources of selenium.
Consuming selenium as a dietary supplement can also help ensure sufficient intake for your body. Selenium is also often combined with other minerals and vitamins, for example in our Multivitamins , where it is found in chelated form, that is to say highly assimilable, and surrounded by 28 other active ingredients.
What are the benefits of selenium?
The benefits of selenium have been highlighted by several studies .
It appears in particular that selenium provides:
- An improvement in the immune system;
- An antioxidant effect on cells;
- Good maintenance of nails and hair:
- Better thyroid function.
Let's take a look in more detail:
It contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system
Selenium helps the body defend itself against infections, by contributing to the formation of proteins essential for the proper functioning of our immune system. Furthermore, by participating in the structure of enzymes such as thioredoxin, it regenerates and reinforces the effects of vitamins E and C which are themselves useful for the body's defenses.
It protects cells against oxidative stress
As we said, selenium is particularly known for its antioxidant benefits , especially when combined with vitamin E or zinc . It neutralizes free radicals in the body and thus slows down the aging of cells. In addition, it limits cardiovascular risks by reducing bad cholesterol levels.
Convinced of the benefits of selenium, Finland has even implemented a program since 1984 to enrich fertilizers with sodium selenate, in order to ensure an increase in its intake in the diet of its inhabitants. Since then, the country has seen a significant reduction in heart disease and certain cancers on its territory.
Selenium would in fact help ward off certain cancers, notably prostate cancer, lung cancer, and even colorectal cancer. Studies published in the International Journal of Cancer, research carried out in the United Kingdom at the University of Newcastle or in Ireland at the Royal College, establish a link between a more moderate risk of cancer and sufficient levels of selenium.
The anti-oxidant benefits of selenium also promote a detoxifying effect . It contributes to the elimination of pesticides and heavy metals such as lead or mercury, which pollute our bodies. It thus protects the organs from their harmful effects.
Finally, selenium improves resistance to age-related degeneration; elderly people benefiting from a selenium supplement would have better physical and intellectual condition.
It contributes to the good maintenance of hair and nails
Still thanks to its antioxidant effects, selenium also acts on the health of nails and hair. Indeed, by fighting against the aging of cells, it facilitates their growth and makes them strong. The selenium intake also helps them fight against external aggressions (pollution, sun, tobacco, etc.) and allows them to remain in good health.
It contributes to good thyroid function
Finally, selenium acts on thyroid hormones and thus regulates metabolism. It limits hyperthyroidism and has positive effects on mood disorders, fertility and even ocular degeneration (endocrine orbitopathy). More generally, it has favorable effects on the functioning of the nervous system.
We recommend you
Multivitamins
Complete formula with optimal dosage of 29 nutrients (vitamins, minerals and plant extracts).
- ✅ 33 µg of selenium for 4 capsules
- ✅ Assimilated or natural shapes
- ✅ Made in France
- ✅ 1 month of treatment
When to take a selenium treatment?
First of all, you should know that selenium deficiencies are possible, particularly in:
- people eating a completely plant-based diet;
- people suffering from chronic intestinal disease;
- smokers ;
- women with long-term breastfeeding;
- people living in areas where soils are low in selenium.
The deficiency results in intense fatigue, headaches, depressed mood, immune weakness and sometimes even thyroid problems. In the event of a deficiency, it is indeed important to turn to a diet rich in selenium and/or to supplements allowing you to meet your needs.
Otherwise, before taking a selenium treatment , it is important to first take stock of your needs to determine your personal daily intake (of course, never overdose).
At Novoma, we advise you to opt for a food supplement of 33 micrograms of selenium per day, in addition to a varied and balanced diet (which can therefore already provide you with it).
How to choose the right selenium supplement?
Like many trace elements, selenium exists in different forms. We speak of vegetable selenium when it comes from seeds such as mustard or lentils. It is a form very well assimilated by the body, just like the chelated form.
To promote the effects of a selenium treatment and for optimal assimilation by the body, at Novoma we have selected selenium in chelated form, while combining it with 28 other active ingredients carefully chosen for their complementarity.
We have notably chosen to combine vitamins E and C since, as we said, selenium participates in the structure of enzymes which reinforce the effects of these two vitamins.
In addition, the combination of zinc, also present in our Multivitamins, and vitamin E alongside selenium promotes its antioxidant and detoxifying effects.
Thus, our Multivitamins contains 33 µg of selenium for 4 capsules per day. It allows you to benefit from all the benefits of selenium and take advantage of the properties of the other active ingredients present, for optimal results.
It is good to know that antacids, a high presence of fiber or phosphorus can reduce the absorption of selenium and prevent its proper assimilation by the body.
Selenium: dangers and contraindications
An overdose of selenium can be very harmful. It can manifest as brittle hair and nails, significant fatigue, mood disorders, nausea or even skin irritations. It is therefore essential to respect the recommended dosage, because if selenosis only occurs after a prolonged intake of more than 1,000 micrograms per day, it has consequences that should not be neglected. Doctors therefore recommend never exceeding an intake of 400 µg per day for adults, an already very high threshold compared to the recommended dosage for selenium.
The last essential point to know is that selenium supplementation is not suitable in all situations. It is even not recommended in the following cases:
- Men of age to develop prostate cancer;
- To people suffering from type 2 diabetes;
- For people suffering from goiter.
If you have the slightest doubt, do not hesitate to seek advice from your doctor, he will be able to tell you the dosage adapted to your needs.
Selenium is in any case an essential trace element and supplementation can help you stay fit and healthy!
