Selenium (Se) is a mineral named after Earth's satellite, the Moon.
The human body contains up to 14 ml of selenium, it is concentrated in the kidneys, heart, spleen, liver, testes.
Content
Some information about the benefits of Se
For a person, the required amount of selenium is 70-100 mcg per day, it is necessary for:
- Full functioning of the thyroid gland. The trace element is involved in the work of an enzyme responsible for converting thyroxine (the main hormone of the gland) into an active form that affects metabolism.
- Prevention of the cardiovascular system. As a result of scientific research, it was found that a lack of selenium in the blood can provoke coronary heart disease.
- Strengthening the protective function of body cells against free radicals (selenium is a strong antioxidant). Its effect is enhanced when consumed together with vitamins C and E. As an example of products, one can cite a squid salad with brown rice and onions.
- Boosting the immune system. As an antioxidant, it helps to reduce oxidative stress, which helps to reduce inflammation and strengthen defenses. An increase in selenium levels helps to strengthen the immune system of patients with HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis C.
- Suppression of the development of breast cancer, lung cancer.
- normal reproductive function in men.
About 20 years ago, in the course of scientific research, scientists concluded that due to the constant lack of selenium in products, there is a risk of developing cancer. All these assumptions await even more concrete confirmation, despite this, a sufficient content of selenium in the body is necessary, it is an antioxidant defense.
Scientists have concluded that selenium fights well with cholesterol plaques. The foodstuffs of Americans and Greenlanders were compared; in the diet of the latter, a large percentage of seal fat, rich in selenium and vitamin E.
It is believed that selenium may affect the increase in testosterone in men. After studies in which infertile men took part, there was no significant increase in testosterone levels. Although there is a completely opposite statement.
The trace element is especially effective when taken together with vitamins E and C, with a deficiency of this trace element, iodine is poorly absorbed.
Who is Selenium Deficient
An insufficient content in the body of the mineral can cause the development of rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.
Risk area categories:
- Sweet lovers may experience a lack of selenium, fast carbohydrates can destroy it.
- Vegetarians using peeled grains.
- Poor absorption of selenium occurs in patients along the gastrointestinal tract and those who take laxatives, dietary supplements to cleanse the body.
- Aged people.
- Smokers.
Products containing selenium:
- Brazilian nut;
- Seafood (shrimp, squid, crabs, oysters);
- Saltwater fish: halibut, yellow tuna, sardines;
- Liver, kidneys, heart;
- Eggs;
- Sunflower.
In natural products, the percentage of selenium depends on the amount of selenium in the soil used for cultivation.
An excess of a trace element in the body is as dangerous as its deficiency. Occasionally, exceeding the dose of a trace element can cause dangerous effects. For example, this can happen with an overabundance of special additives.
As a result, undesirable manifestations may appear:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Slight dizziness;
- Muscle pain;
- Discoloration of the skin.
Among the severe consequences may be: disruption of the normal functioning of the intestines, cardiovascular system, acute renal failure.
Popular manufacturing companies
Trace element Se is usually included in dietary supplements along with other trace elements and vitamins. The leader in the production of additives is the USA. The country produces about 3500 types of various food supplements with minerals and multivitamins, which are produced by the oldest companies.
NOW Foods is the most popular and best-selling brand in the United States. The company was founded in 1948 and is engaged in the production of natural, quality food supplements.
Metagenics Inc. - An American firm, the only one in the food supplement industry that has a clinical research center. The manufactured drugs are of high quality; the latest techniques are used in the production.
Natrol is another American company that has been in business since 1980. Produces premium additives only from natural ingredients.
Solgar company - since 1947, has been producing natural supplements. Here for the first time they began to produce vitamins with amino acids. The products do not contain sugar, artificial colors or additives. In Russia, vitamins from an American company can only be bought at a pharmacy or ordered in an online store.
The German company “Kweisser Pharma GmbH & Co. KG ”is represented in Russia by the Doppelherz trademark. Vitamin and mineral complexes are of high quality and are popular in many countries.
Evalar is the largest Russian firm founded in 1991. For the production of additives, plant components of the Altai Territory are used.
Pharmstandard-UfaVITA OJSC is a large Russian company, the leader in the production of multivitamins in the country.
Kvadrat-S is a young Russian company founded in 2014. In addition to the production of medicines, it is engaged in the production of dietary supplements from dried fruit powders. The products are distinguished by quality, natural raw materials and affordable prices and are produced on equipment designed for the pharmaceutical industry.
What to look for
When choosing a drug with selenium, it is necessary to clarify the level of the element deficiency in the body. The pharmaceutical market offers a huge selection of dietary supplements, so before buying, you should consider the evaluation criterion:
- Recommended for use: for athletes, for prophylaxis, in case of deficiency in the body;
- Release form: tablets, capsules, pills, etc.
- Composition: natural, the presence of additional elements;
- Volume;
- Contraindications;
- Manufacturing firm.
Imported vitamins
Now Foods Selenium
The manufacturer is an American company. The vitamins contain only organic elements: processed Brazil nuts, seafood, wheat germ, offal, rice flour. Also one tablet contains 200 mcg of selenium. The structure is free of gluten, soy, carcinogens and other harmful impurities.
The supplement is recommended for people with an active lifestyle, it helps to strengthen the protective functions of the body. Selenium helps the active exchange of hormones and enzymes. After a course intake, women notice an improvement in the structure of hair and nails.
The dietary supplement is not recommended for minors and persons prone to allergic reactions.
The drug is produced in white tablets with a taste similar to chalk. Daily dose: 1 tablet twice with food.
Country: USA.
Price 200 mcg: from 1700 rubles.
Advantages:
- Organic composition;
- Fast effect.
Disadvantages:
- Not.
Solgar Selenium
The tablets of this American manufacturer are made on a yeast-free basis. Consisting of:
- Selenometeonin is an amino acid, a source of selenium is found in Brazil nuts, legumes, grains;
- Dicalcium phosphate - a source of phosphorus and calcium, increases tablet strength;
- Anti-caking component;
- Stabilizer.
Contains no soy, yeast, additives or dyes. The dietary supplement is prescribed in case of a lack of Se in the body and for prophylaxis. Regular intake inhibits the development of cardiovascular diseases, improves the appearance of the skin, hair, nails. Produced in a bottle of 100 pieces. This is enough for several courses, the daily dose is one tablet. In the instructions it is recommended to take it with food with water.
Country: USA.
Price: from 1100 rubles.
Advantages:
- No yeast;
- An effective source of selenium deficiency;
- Easy to digest.
Disadvantages:
- Bitter taste.
Doppelhertz active Selenium + β-carotene
Complex of a German manufacturer. The composition, in addition to selenium, contains:
- vitamin E, C - help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, promote the process of cell renewal, strengthen blood vessels;
- beta-carotene protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation;
- folic acid stimulates the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow.
The drug is produced in brown capsules. The daily requirement is one piece, taken with food, drinking plenty of water.
Among the positive reviews, there are those in which a surge of strength is noted, an improvement in mood.
Country: Germany.
Price: from 500 rubles.
Advantages:
- balanced antioxidant complex;
- the quality of the structure of hair and nails improves.
Disadvantages:
- not always on sale.
Arnebia Vitamin C + Selenium + Zinc
The dietary supplement is produced in the form of effervescent tablets, and is recommended not only for adults, but also for children suffering from vitamin C and selenium deficiencies. The composition of the complex contains sweeteners, colors and flavors.
An effervescent solution of 1 tablet must be taken with meals. Vitamins are placed in a tube of 20 pieces.
Country: Germany.
Price: from 94 rubles.
Advantages:
- it is possible for children;
- price.
Disadvantages:
- there are dyes and flavors;
- packing is not enough for one course.
Selzink plus
Vitamin complex with selenium, dietary supplement is a powerful antioxidant. It is recommended to take in unfavorable environment, low immunity, increased physical exertion, insufficient nutrition (during a diet).
Peach-colored tablets are taken 1 piece per day. Selzinc plus belongs to the best drugs, it is well tolerated, improving overall health, the structure of hair, nails, and skin.
Country: Czech Republic.
Price: from 405 rubles.
Advantages:
- replenishes the deficiency of a trace element;
- the quality of hair, skin, nails becomes much better.
Disadvantages:
- in case of an overdose, allergies are possible.
Russian vitamins
Evalar Selenium Forte with Vitamin C
A popular Russian company produces dietary supplements with a selenoxanthene content of 70 mcg. The complex also contains vitamin C, which enhances the penetration of the trace element. The successful combination of these two components prevents the appearance of blood clots, strengthens the immune system, improves the work of the cardiovascular system.
The action of the constituents, as a powerful antioxidant, frees the body from free radicals. The drug is recommended for women for the prevention of heart attack, atherosclerosis. Recommended for men as an increase in endurance and performance. The drug is not recommended for use by children under 12 years of age, pregnant women and those prone to allergies.
Take 1 tablet once daily with meals. Course: 4 weeks.
Country Russia.
Price: from 132 rubles.
Advantages:
- powerful protection of two antioxidants;
- efficiency increases;
- high Se content;
- price.
Disadvantages:
- intolerance to some components.
Selenium Active
The vitamin complex contains 50 mcg of selenium and the same amount of vitamin C, which increases the effectiveness of Se.The drug contains sorbitol, which, with prolonged use, can have a laxative effect. The drug is available in the form of white tablets. Recommended 1 piece per day for adults and children over 14 years old.
Vitamins are produced by the enterprise of ecological technology and ecological products Diod. After clinical trials, selenium-active showed its positive effect on the cardiovascular system and, taking into account the price, it is noted as the best domestic drug for replenishing selenium deficiency.
After taking the course of the drug, patients notice an improvement in the condition of people prone to hypertension, chronic fatigue.
Country Russia.
Packing price 30 pcs: from 80 rubles.
Advantages:
- price;
- help with hypertension;
- relieves fatigue.
Disadvantages:
- age restriction;
- low dosage.
Complivit selenium
A popular vitamin complex that is recommended to be taken as a prophylaxis during seasonal outbreaks of ARVI and influenza, as well as with vitamin deficiency. The composition of the preparation contains, in addition to Se (70 mgc), 10 vitamins, copper, zinc. All components are balanced and assisted in fast absorption.
Copper and manganese in the complex improve blood flow, vitamin B normalizes metabolic processes. Selenium works as an antioxidant. In the reviews there are many positive statements about the effect on the thyroid gland and the reproductive system.
The complex of vitamins is available in a package of 60, which is enough for a course of administration. The tablets should not be taken on an empty stomach - this can cause nausea and allergies.
Country Russia.
Price: from 240 rubles.
Advantages:
- a successful, rich combination of vitamins and minerals;
- positive effect on the condition of hair, nails, skin;
- increased libido;
- price.
Disadvantages:
- allergies are possible.
Vitamir Selenium
Dietary supplement with selenomethionine is the organic form of Se that is most well absorbed by the body. The main component binds heavy metals into an insoluble form and removes them from the body. As a powerful antioxidant, it activates the thyroid gland and the immune system.
The drug prevents the oxidation of cells, preventing the development of oncology, heart disease, skin diseases. Reception for a month, 1 piece with meals. This covers the body's daily requirement for selenium.
The disadvantages include the content in the formula of the drug of lactose and titanium dioxide and polyethylene glycol, harmful to the liver.
Manufacturer: Russia (Kvadrat-S).
Price: from 130 rubles.
Advantages:
- natural composition;
- daily dose of Se in 1 piece;
- price.
Disadvantages:
- lactose in the composition.
When choosing a vitamin complex, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the body, the doctor's recommendation and reviews of the drug. You must also carefully study the instructions and take into account all possible risks.
