WHAT IS SELENIUM GOOD FOR?

Though you may have never heard of the micronutrient selenium, it is vital to your health.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that our bodies need to function. It contributes to:

+ normal spermatogenesis (the production of sperm)
+ the maintenance of normal hair and nails
+ normal thyroid function
+ the normal function of the immune system
+ the protection of cells from oxidative stress

Good sources of selenium include brazil nuts, fish, meat and eggs.

 

SCIENTIFIC BENEFITS OF SELENIUM

Selenium plays a critical role in fertility and important processes in our body, including our thyroid function. It also helps protect our body from damage caused by oxidative stress and helps the immune system work properly. Scientific studies show that selenium deficiency may contribute to hair loss, a weakened immune system, male infertility, age-related mental decline, increased cancer risk, and heart disease.

Let’s delve into some of the science below:

 

ENHANCES FERTILITY

Selenium is critical for human health and reproductive functions. Studies have indicated that selenium levels outside the recommended range could be a factor in both male and female fertility, and that selenium supplements can help to improve semen quality at the same time as lowering the risk of miscarriage. For example:

+ A 2003 controlled study involving 69 infertile men who were randomized to receive either placebo, 200 μg/day selenium alone, or selenium plus vitamins for 3 months found the selenium groups showed significant improvements in sperm motility (up to 52.6% increase) and morphology via enhanced antioxidant activity (e.g., reduced lipid peroxidation).

+ A scientific review published in 2021 found selenium supplementation can significantly improve sperm fertility parameters.

+ A 2023 systematic review analysed the effects of antioxidant supplementation on male fertility. The authors found that combinations containing Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Selenium can help improve sperm quality and increase the chances of successful pregnancy in couples undergoing fertility treatments like IVF. These nutrients work by reducing oxidative stress that can damage sperm and the cells that produce testosterone. 

This is one of the reasons we include selenium in Himmense BOOST.

SUPPORTS THYROID FUNCTION

The fact that there’s more selenium in thyroid tissue than in any other organ in the human body, tells us something about the influential role this mineral plays in the proper functioning of our thyroid gland. And a healthy thyroid gland is important, as it regulates our metabolism and controls growth and development. For example, selenium is essential for the production of the thyroid hormones that help to regulate hair growth and strong evidence links thyroid dysfunction to hair loss. Furthermore, some clinical studies have shown that lack of selenium will increase the prevalence thyroid dysfunction and several kinds of thyroid diseases. For example:

+ A study including over 6,000 people found that low levels of selenium were associated with abnormal thyroid function.

+ A 2021 review of autoimmune thyroiditis (AITD) and Hypothyroidism clearly identified selenium deficiency as an important risk factor for Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD).

MAINTAINS NORMAL HAIR

Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair by helping to protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and supporting the proteins that form strong, healthy strands.

Much like its role in nails, this essential trace mineral plays a key part in the normal hair growth cycle, and scientific studies have shown that low selenium levels can be linked to hair thinning or loss in cases of deficiency. Ensuring adequate selenium intake therefore helps keep hair looking its best from the inside out. For example: 

+ A 2018 review examining selenium’s relevance to various forms of alopecia (hair loss) noted associations between lower selenium status and hair changes, with case reports showing improvements in deficient individuals following correction of the shortfall. 

+ Clinical observations in patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition (who often develop selenium deficiency) have documented alopecia that resolved after selenium supplementation was added.

+ A 2023 randomised controlled trial found that adding a daily supplement containing marine hydrolysed collagen and selenium to standard hair-loss treatments produced significantly better results after 12 weeks compared with standard treatment alone. Participants in the supplement group showed clearer improvements in hair density and appearance.

This is one of the reasons we include selenium in Himmense SHIFT.

BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Selenium is crucial for the health and proper functioning of our immune system which keeps our body healthy by identifying and fighting off potential threats including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Selenium deficiency has long been recognized to negatively impact immune cells, thereby increasing the risk of bacterial and viral infections. For example:

+ A review comparing results from a wide variety of studies showed that selenium deficiency harms immune cell function and may lead to a slower immune response.

+ A review analysing data from epidemiologic studies and intervention trials showed that selenium supplements help boost the immune systems of people with influenza, tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis C.

+ A review of studies found an association with selenium deficiency and an increased risk of death and disease progression in people with HIV, while selenium supplements were shown to lead to fewer hospitalizations and an improvement in symptoms for HIV patients.

REDUCES RISK OF DISEASE

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells against oxidative stress and helps defend our body from chronic conditions. Oxidative stress is caused by an excess of free radicals in the body. Smoking, alcohol use, and stress can cause an excess of free radicals. This leads to oxidative stress, which damages healthy cells. Antioxidants like selenium help reduce oxidative stress by keeping free radical numbers in check to lessen our risk of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, mental disorders, cardiovascular disorders, fertility impairments, inflammation, and infections. They work by neutralizing excess free radicals and protecting cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. For example:

+ A controlled study including 465 coronary artery disease patients found selenium supplementation leads to an increase in antioxidative glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) activity.

DECREASES CANCER RISK

Research suggests that higher blood levels of selenium may protect against certain cancers, while supplementing with selenium may help improve quality of life in people undergoing radiation therapy. For example:

+ A review of 69 studies that included over 350,000 people, found that having a high blood level of selenium was associated with a lower risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, lung, and prostate cancers.

+ A review of 16 clinical studies on selenium and radiotherapy, which included 1303 cancer patients, concluded that selenium supplements improved the general condition of patients, improved their quality of life and reduced the side effects of radiotherapy. Furthermore, selenium supplementation did not reduce the effectiveness of radiotherapy or cause any toxicity.

SUPPORTS HEART HEALTH

Oxidative stress and inflammation have been linked to atherosclerosis, or the build-up of plaque in arteries. Atherosclerosis is where our arteries become narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow through them. It increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Studies suggest selenium may help keep our heart healthy by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in our body. For example:

+ A meta-analysis of 25 observational studies found a 50% increase in blood selenium levels was associated with a 24% reduction in the risk of heart disease.

+ A review of 16 controlled studies, involving more than 400,000 people with heart disease, showed taking selenium supplements decreased levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) — one of the main risk factors for heart disease.

PROTECTS COGNITIVE HEATH

The leading cause of death in 2022 in the UK was dementia and Alzheimer’s. Oxidative stress is believed to be involved in both the onset and progression of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s. Studies show that selenium may help prevent mental decline and improve memory loss. For example:

+ A meta-analysis of 6 studies found that selenium supplementation alleviated some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment.

+ A study analysing metals in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease found patients with Alzheimer’s disease had lower blood levels of selenium.

+ A controlled study examining the long-term effects of antioxidant supplementation on the cognitive performance of 4447 participants found that subjects receiving active antioxidant supplementation (including 100μg of Selenium) had betterepisodic memory scores.

REDUCES ASTHMA SYMPTOMS

Asthma is associated with increased inflammation, oxidative stress and abnormal immune system function. Some studies suggest that selenium may help reduce asthma-related symptoms due to its role in regulating excessive immune responses and chronic inflammation. For example:

+ A controlled study showed that asthmatic patients had significantly lower concentration levels of blood selenium compared with healthy subjects.

+ A study found that giving people with asthma 200μg of selenium per day reduced their use of the corticosteroid medications used to control their symptoms.

Safety note on selenium: Selenium is essential for good health, but getting too much can be harmful.  Excessive intake can cause selenosis, a condition that, in its mildest form, can lead to hair loss and brittle nails. According to the NHS, taking 350μg or less per day of selenium from supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.

Himmense BOOST contains 8.25μg of selenium per serving, while Himmense SHIFT contains 55μg - both well within the safe levels when taken as directed.

 

Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Consult a doctor or healthcare professional if you have any questions or are taking any other medications before you try any remedies.

Read more Men's Health & Lifestyle blogs from HIMMENSE here.