Selenomax® Selenium

• Selenium 100 mcg Yeast Based

• Selenium 100 mcg Yeast-Free

• Selenium 200 mcg Yeast-Based

• Selenium is used in the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage.*1

• All components of the immune system require selenium,2 including macrophages and lymphocytes.*3,4

• People, especially vegetarians, may need selenium supplements since they often do not get enough in the diet.*5

• Nature’s Life offers the same food-form yeast-based selenium used in a recent double-blind study.6

Benefits of Selenium

Selenium is an integral part of glutathione peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant enzyme which helps protect all cells from free radical damage.*2 If selenium levels are adequate vitamin E is spared for use elsewhere.7,8 In people deficient in selenium, the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase has been observed to be significantly lower. At selenium levels slightly higher than what is normally considered adequate, glutathione peroxidase levels increase.9

Immune function:

Low serum levels of selenium are associated with impaired immunity.*2,1,11 When selenium supplements were taken, levels of natural killer immune cells increased 59%.*12 Researchers suggest selenium supplements because the amount of selenium required for strong immune function is higher (200 to 400 mcg12) than what is normally consumed in the diet (about 100 mcg).3,13

Lung function:

Selenium supplementation increased circulating levels of glutathione peroxidase significantly, improving lung function and decreasing hypersensitivity*, in a placebo-controlled study.14 People in areas of high air pollution may particularly need selenium supplements since pollutants can decrease the activity of all antioxidants, including the selenium-based ones.15

Heart function:

Low selenium levels also effect the heart.*  In one study, low HDL-cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), high blood pressure and “sticky” blood platelets were more common in the selenium-deficient group.16

Since selenium levels in soil vary greatly, selenium in plant foods also varies. Vegetarians may be at risk of significantly lower intakes of selenium than non-vegetarians. Researchers recommend supplementation.*5 Acting as an antioxidant, selenium helps protect us from both acute and chronic toxic doses of two heavy metals, cadmium and mercury*, according to trace minerals expert, Dr. W. Mertz.17

Ingredient Highlights

Our yeast-based selenium is pure Selenomax® from Nutrition 21®—the same selenium used in many positive studies that describe the benefits of supplemental selenium.

In 1996, FDA announced a new 70 mcg. RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) for selenium. Kidney, liver, other meats and some seafood, such as tuna, are the best food sources of selenium. Whole grains, seeds,  nuts and garlic18 contain significant amounts of selenium if grown in selenium-rich soil. Fruits, vegetables and drinking water do not contain much selenium.13

Selenium at doses up to 700 mcg per day does not produce any signs of toxicity although higher doses (1,000 mcg or more) can cause symptoms of toxicity.*19,20

References

1. 60 FR 67190, December 28, 1995; Modern Nutrition in Health & Disease, pp 242-51, Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, 1994

2. Environ Res 1987;42(2):277-303 (abstract).

3. Biol Trace Elem Res 1994;41(1-2):115-27 (abstract).

4. Biol Trace Elem Res 1994;41(1-2):103-14 (abstract).

5. Biol Trace Elem Res 1995;50(1):13-24.

6. JAMA 1996;276(24):1957-63.

7. Adv Exp Med Biol, 1990; 262:145-58

8. Chem Phys Lipids 1987;44(2-4):255-76.

9. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1993;71(9):721-4.

10. Cancer Detect Prev 1986;9(1-2):67-77 (abstract).

11. Int Conf AIDS 1991:7(1):329 (abstract).

12. Diss Abstr Int [B] 1994;55(4):1387.

13. Recommended Dietary Allowances, 10th Edition, FNB/NAS, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1989:56-8.

14. Allergy 1993; 48(1):30-6.

15. J Am Coll Nutr 1995;14(4):317-24.

16. Res Comm Chem Pathol Pharmacol 1989;65(2):249-52.

17. Nutr Today 1983;18(5):26-31.   

18. Gastrointestinal diseases, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management, Sleisenger & Fordtran, eds. WB Saunders, 1993, pp. 2017-48.

19. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:1288-94.

20. Am J Clin Nutr 1983;37:872-81.