Daily dose

The recommended daily dose is 70 µg.

Properties

Antioxidant

Selenium is one of the molecules with antioxidant properties. In fact, it participates in the composition of several enzymes responsible for neutralising excess free radicals and thus oxidation in the body.

Selenium is also involved in the regeneration of antioxidant vitamins (vitamins C and E).

A good supply of selenium therefore helps to combat oxidative stress and premature cell ageing.

Detoxifies the body from heavy metals

Selenium is recognised for its cleansing properties.

It cleanses the body of toxic and foreign molecules, especially heavy metals such as mercury and lead.

Heart health

Selenium deficiency can cause severe cardiomyopathy, which can be fatal.

This trace element is involved in the regulation of the heart's rhythm and helps to prevent heart disease.

Selenium, hair and skin beauty

This trace element plays a beneficial role in the quality of the hair, nails and skin.

Yeast and selenium supplements are also known to promote skin brightness and hair strength.

Indications

• Common cold
• Various infections
• Possible prevention of certain types of cancer (at 200 mg/day), such as prostate, lung or bowel cancer
• Cardiovascular problems
• Muscular dystrophies
• Inflammatory diseases
• Immune system failure

Requirement

Selenium deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system, irregular heartbeat or anaemia.

To a lesser extent, it can cause thyroid dysfunction, severe fatigue and general weakness.

In the most severe cases, and in the absence of supplementation, it can be responsible for Keshan disease.

This is a heart condition caused by selenium deficiency and can be fatal.

Excess

Toxic at high doses: 900ug per day.

Observations

It could play an important role in the prevention and treatment of influenza syndrome.

Selenium is increasingly recommended for the prevention of various types of cancer (prostate, lung, etc.). However, it is important to know that there are often multiple causes of cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of selenium in cancer prevention.

Interactions with other nutrients

Excess fibre tends to prevent the proper absorption of selenium.

The same applies to phosphorus and heavy metals such as mercury.

On the contrary, zinc and selenium work synergistically in the body.

A good supply of these two nutrients allows you to benefit from an optimal antioxidant effect.

Selenium chemical properties

The atomic symbol for selenium is Se and its atomic number is 34.

This trace element has an atomic weight of 78.971 u and a density of 4.79 g.cm-3.

It is a grey nonmetal.

Selenium shares many chemical properties with sulphur.

Indispensable in small quantities, it can be very toxic to the body if consumed in excess.

Selenium-based food supplements

They are often indicated to help remove heavy metal residues from the body, to maintain the heart system, or to maintain the beauty of hair and skin.

Selenium supplementation can also help combat oxidative stress and boost the immune system.

Dosages vary depending on the problem and context.

Consult your doctor and do not exceed 150 micrograms per day without medical supervision.

Use of brewer's yeast rich in selenium and zinc

Brewer's yeast in powder or capsule form is a concentrate of B vitamins, selenium and zinc.

It can help meet the body's needs and maintain healthy skin and hair.

Adverse effects of selenium

In very high doses, selenium is responsible for selenosis.

This excessive intake causes severe fatigue, hair loss and extreme dryness of the skin.

People with selenosis have a characteristic breath (garlic smell) and suffer from digestive problems (nausea, flatulence, etc.).