Selenium (L-selenomethionine): Antioxidant Protection and General Health, An Essential Support for Immunity and Thyroid

Selenium (L-selenomethionine), Swanson is a dietary supplement containing selenium in the form of L-selenomethionine, an organic compound of selenium known for its superior bioavailability. Selenium is an essential trace element necessary for numerous biological functions, including antioxidant protection, proper immune system function, and thyroid health.
 

One of the distinguishing features of selenium is its crucial role in antioxidant defense. Selenium is an essential component of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, which protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This protection is essential for maintaining cellular integrity and preventing chronic diseases.
 

L-selenomethionine is an organic form of selenium where selenium is bound to the amino acid methionine. This form is preferred due to its superior bioavailability, meaning it is more easily absorbed and utilized by the body compared to other inorganic forms of selenium.



 

Selenium (L-selenomethionine) Benefits

• Provides an organic, natural, and bioavailable source of selenium

Organic and natural source: L-selenomethionine is an organic form of selenium where selenium is bound to the amino acid methionine. This form is preferred due to its superior bioavailability, meaning it is more easily absorbed and utilized by the body compared to other inorganic forms of selenium, such as selenomethionine or inorganic selenium. This ensures that the body receives a source of selenium that can be effectively used for various metabolic and physiological processes.

Superior bioavailability: Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient that is absorbed and available for use in the body. L-selenomethionine has superior bioavailability, meaning that selenium in this form is absorbed more efficiently in the intestine and is more easily transported and used by the body's cells. This ensures that the supplement provides selenium in a form that maximizes health benefits.

• Acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress

Powerful antioxidant: Selenium plays a crucial role in antioxidant defense. It is an essential component of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, which protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, damaging cells and contributing to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Through antioxidant enzymes, selenium helps neutralize these free radicals, thus protecting the body.

Cellular protection: Selenium-containing antioxidant enzymes help maintain cellular integrity by preventing the oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA. This is essential for preventing cellular mutations and dysfunctions that can lead to serious diseases. The cellular protection offered by selenium contributes to general health and the prevention of degenerative diseases.

• Supports immune system function and prevents chronic inflammation

Immune system support: Selenium is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. This trace element supports the production of antibodies and the activity of immune cells, including T lymphocytes and NK (natural killer) cells. These cells are crucial for recognizing and destroying pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Adequate selenium intake can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infections and diseases.

Prevention of chronic inflammation: Selenium plays an important role in regulating the inflammatory response. Through antioxidant enzymes, selenium helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is associated with numerous chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and arthritis. By reducing inflammation, selenium can help prevent these conditions and maintain general health.

• Essential for normal thyroid gland function

Thyroid hormone metabolism: Selenium is necessary for the metabolism of thyroid hormones. This mineral helps convert thyroxine (T4) into triiodothyronine (T3), the active form of the thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism and energy. An adequate selenium level is crucial for optimal thyroid gland function and the prevention of thyroid disorders. Selenium deficiency can lead to thyroid dysfunctions such as hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis.

Protection against thyroid diseases: Studies have shown that selenium can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the thyroid gland, thus preventing the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's disease and Graves' disease. Selenium supplementation can help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions and maintain thyroid health.

• Contributes to slowing down the process of cellular aging

Slowing down cellular aging: Selenium plays a crucial role in slowing down the process of cellular aging by protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress is one of the main factors that contribute to cellular aging and the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Through antioxidant enzymes, selenium helps maintain cellular integrity and prevent cellular degradation.

Maintaining long-term health: By protecting cells against oxidative stress, selenium contributes to maintaining long-term health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. This can have a significant impact on quality of life and longevity. Selenium supplementation can be an effective strategy for promoting health and preventing premature aging.

Adjuvant in Various Conditions

• For supporting immune system health: Selenium can be associated withvitamin C,vitamin E andzinc to strengthen the immune system and protect cells against oxidative stress.
• For thyroid health: Selenium can be associated withiodine andvitamin D to support optimal thyroid function and prevent thyroid disorders.
• For cardiovascular health: Selenium can be associated withcoenzyme Q10,omega-3 fatty acids andmagnesium to support heart and cardiovascular system health.
• For brain health: Selenium can be associated withomega-3 fatty acids,vitamin B12 andphosphatidylserine to support cognitive function and brain health.

Usage Suggestions

100 mcg Variant

200 mcg Variant

Other Ingredients

Warnings