In the U.S., most cases of selenium depletion or deficiency are associated with severe gastrointestinal problems, such as Crohn's disease, or with surgical removal of part of the stomach. These and other gastrointestinal disorders can impair selenium absorption.^{1 2 3} People with acute severe illness who develop inflammation and widespread infection often have decreased levels of selenium in their blood.⁴ Physicians will evaluate individuals who have gastrointestinal disease or severe infection for depleted blood levels of selenium to determine the need for supplementation.

People with iodine deficiency may also benefit from selenium supplementation. Iodine deficiency is rare in the U.S., but is still common in developing countries where access to iodine is limited.⁵ Researchers believe that selenium deficiency may worsen the effects of iodine deficiency on thyroid function, and that adequate selenium nutritional status may help protect against some of the neurological effects of iodine deficiency.^{6 7} Researchers involved in the Supplementation en Vitamines et Mineraux AntioXydants (SU.VI.MAX) study in France, which was designed to assess the effect of vitamin and mineral supplements on chronic disease risk, evaluated the relationship between goiter and selenium in a subset of this research population. Their findings suggest that selenium supplements may be protective against goiter, which refers to enlargement of the thyroid gland.⁸

As noted above, selenium supplementation during TPN administration is now routine.^{9 10} While specific medical problems such as those described above indicate a need for selenium supplementation, evidence is lacking for recommending selenium supplements for healthy children and adults.

Selenium occurs in staple foods such as corn, wheat, and soybean as selenomethionine, the organic selenium analogue of the amino acid methionine.¹¹¹² Selenomethionine can be incorporated into body proteins in place of methionine, and serves as a vehicle for selenium storage in organs and tissues. Selenium supplements may also contain sodium selenite and sodium selenate, two inorganic forms of selenium. Selenomethionine is generally considered to be the best absorbed and utilized form of selenium.

Selenium is also available in 'high selenium yeasts', which may contain as much as 1,000 to 2,000 micrograms of selenium per gram.¹³ Most of the selenium in these yeasts is in the form of selenomethionine. This form of selenium was used in the large scale cancer prevention trial in 1983, which demonstrated that taking a daily supplement containing 200 micrograms of selenium per day could lower the risk of developing prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer.¹⁴ However, some yeasts may contain inorganic forms of selenium, which are not utilized as well as selenomethionine.

A study conducted in 1995 suggested that the organic forms of selenium increased blood selenium concentration to a greater extent than inorganic forms. However, it did not significantly improve the activity of the selenium-dependent enzyme, glutathione peroxidase.¹⁵ Researchers are continuing to examine the effects of different chemical forms of selenium, but the organic form currently appears to be the best choice.

Related Links: What is selenium? | What foods provide selenium? | How much selenium do I need? | What happens if I do not get enough selenium? | Do I need extra selenium? | Can selenium be harmful? | What are some of the current issues and controversies about selenium? |

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Reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document and the information provided herein is believed to be accurate. However, this information is not intended to constitute an "authoritative statement" under Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations.

About Source: ODS

The mission of the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) is to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating the public to foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the U.S. population.

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Health professionals and consumers need credible information to make thoughtful decisions about eating a healthful diet and using vitamin and mineral supplements. These Fact Sheets provide responsible information about the role of vitamins and minerals in health and disease. Each Fact Sheet in this series received extensive review by recognized experts from the academic and research communities.

The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is important to seek the advice of a physician about any medical condition or symptom. It is also important to seek the advice of a physician, registered dietitian, pharmacist, or other qualified health professional about the appropriateness of taking dietary supplements and their potential interactions with medications.

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Footnotes

1. Kuroki F, Matsumoto T, Lida M. Selenium is depleted in Crohn's disease on enteral nutrition. Digestive Diseases 2003;21:266-70. [↩]
2. Rannem T, Ladefoged K, Hylander E, Hegnhoj J, Jarnum S. Selenium status in patients with Crohn's disease. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;56:933-7. PubMed abstract [↩]
3. Bjerre B, von Schenck H, Sorbo B. Hyposelaemia: Patients with gastrointestinal diseases are at risk. J Intern Med 1989;225:85-8. PubMed abstract [↩]
4. Gartner R, Albrich W, Angstwurm MW. The effect of a selenium supplementation on the outcome of patients with severe systemic inflammation, burn, and trauma. BioFactors 14 2001; 199-204. [↩]
5. Berdanier, CD. Advanced Nutrition: Micronutrients. CRC Press 1998; 208-11. [↩]
6. Arthur JR. The role of selenium in thyroid hormone metabolism. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1991;69:1648-52. PubMed abstract [↩]
7. Corvilain B, Contempre B, Longombe AO, Goyens P, Gervy-Decoster C, Lamy F, Vanderpas JB, Dumont JE. Selenium and the thyroid: How the relationship was established. Am J Clin Nutr 1993;57 (2 Suppl):244S-8S. PubMed abstract [↩]
8. Derumeaux H, Valeix P, Castetbon K, Bensimon M, Boutron-Ruault MC, Arnaud J, Hercberg S. Association of selenium with thyroid volume and echostructure in 35- to 60-year-old French adults. Eur J Endocrinol 2003;148(3):309-15. [↩]
9. Gramm HJ, Kopf A, Bratter P. The necessity of selenium substitution in total parenteral nutrition and artificial alimentation. J Trace Elem Med Biol 1995;9:1-12. PubMed abstract [↩]
10. Abrams CK, Siram SM, Galsim C, Johnson-Hamilton H, Munford FL, Mezghebe H. Selenium deficiency in long-term total parenteral nutrition. Nutr Clin Pract 1992;7:175-8. PubMed abstract [↩]
11. Schrauzer GN. Commentary: Nutrition selenium supplements: Product types, quality, and safety. J Am College of Nutr 2001;20:1-4. [↩]
12. Schrauzer GN. The nutritional significance, metabolism and toxicology of selenomethionine. Adv Food Nutr Res 2003:47:73-112. [↩]
13. Schrauzer GN. Commentary: Nutrition selenium supplements: Product types, quality, and safety. J Am College of Nutr 2001;20:1-4. [↩]
14. Clark LC, Combs Jr GF, Turnbull BW, Slate EH, Chalker D, Chow J, Davis LS, Glover RA, Graham GF, Gross EG, Krongrad A, Lesher JL, Park HK, Sanders BB, Smith CL, Taylor JR. Effects of selenium supplementation for cancer prevention in patients with carcinoma of the skin. A randomized controlled trial. J Am Med Assoc 1996;276:1957-63. [↩]
15. Neve J. Human selenium supplementation as assessed by changes in blood selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity. J Trace Elem Med Biol 1995;9:65-73. [↩]