Selenium

Shop selenium supplements at Evergreen, including tablets, capsules and liquid formulas from trusted brands. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that supports normal thyroid and immune function, while helping to protect cells from oxidative stress.

Selenium Supplements

Selenium is an essential trace mineral, which means your body needs it in small amounts to function normally. It occurs naturally in a range of foods and is also available as a food supplement.

Selenium contributes to normal thyroid and immune system function, helps protect cells from oxidative stress and contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and nails. It also plays a role in normal sperm production.

At Evergreen, you can explore selenium supplements from trusted brands in a range of forms and strengths.

What Does Selenium Do?

Although we only need selenium in relatively small amounts, it has several important roles in the body. Selenium helps to:

• support normal thyroid function
• support the normal function of the immune system
• protect cells from oxidative stress
• maintain normal hair and nails
• support normal sperm production

Selenium's role in protecting cells from oxidative stress comes from its involvement in antioxidant enzymes that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Selenium and Thyroid Function

Selenium contributes to normal thyroid function. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces hormones involved in processes including metabolism.

This is one reason selenium is sometimes found alongside nutrients such as iodine in supplements designed to provide nutritional support for normal thyroid function.

What Foods Contain Selenium?

Selenium occurs naturally in foods including fish, meat, eggs and nuts. Brazil nuts are particularly well known as a source of selenium, although the amount they contain can vary. For many people, a varied and balanced diet can provide the selenium they need.

Choosing a Selenium Supplement

You'll find several types of selenium supplement, so it's worth checking both the form and amount of selenium provided by each product.

Selenium Yeast

Selenium-enriched yeast is a commonly used form in food supplements. It can naturally contain several selenium compounds, including selenomethionine.

Selenomethionine

L-selenomethionine is an organic form of selenium found in some supplements. If you're comparing products, you'll usually find the particular form of selenium clearly listed on the label.

Yeast-Free Selenium

If you prefer to avoid yeast, yeast-free selenium supplements are also available. Check the individual product information to see which form of selenium is used.

Selenium Tablets, Capsules and Liquids

The best format largely comes down to personal preference. Tablets and capsules offer a convenient pre-measured amount, while liquid selenium or drops may suit people who prefer not to take tablets.

Rather than looking for one universal "best selenium supplement", consider the form, strength, serving instructions and any other nutrients included in the formula.

How Much Selenium Do You Need?

According to the HSE, adults aged 19 to 64 need:

• 75 micrograms (µg) of selenium per day for men
• 60 micrograms (µg) of selenium per day for women

The HSE advises that if you eat foods such as meat, fish or nuts, you should be able to get all the selenium you need from your daily diet.

If you're considering a supplement, check how much selenium you're already getting from other supplements such as multivitamins and mineral formulas before adding a separate selenium product.

Can You Take Too Much Selenium?

Yes. Selenium is essential, but taking too much can be harmful. The HSE advises that taking 350µg or less per day of selenium from supplements is unlikely to cause harm. Excessive selenium intake can cause a condition called selenosis, with hair and nail loss among the possible signs.

Always follow the recommended intake on your supplement and avoid combining several selenium-containing supplements without checking the total amount you're taking.

Shop Selenium Supplements at Evergreen

Explore selenium supplements from trusted brands at Evergreen, including tablets, capsules, liquid formulas, selenium yeast and yeast-free options.

You can also browse our wider Mineral Supplements range for other essential minerals, including zinc, magnesium and iron.