Lalmin Se1000
Also known as: Lalmin Se1000, Selenium yeast, Selenized yeast, Organic selenium, Selenium-enriched yeast
Overview
Lalmin Se1000 is a commercial selenium supplement derived from selenium-enriched yeast, primarily containing organic selenium in the form of selenomethionine. Selenium is an essential trace element crucial for human health, naturally found in soil, plants, and animal products. This supplement is used to enhance selenium status, supporting vital bodily functions such as antioxidant defense, immune system modulation, and thyroid hormone metabolism. Organic selenium forms, particularly selenomethionine found in yeast, are recognized for their superior bioavailability compared to inorganic selenium compounds like selenite or selenate. While selenium supplementation is extensively researched, specific independent peer-reviewed studies on Lalmin Se1000 as a branded product are limited, with most evidence stemming from general research on selenium yeast supplements.
Benefits
Selenium supplementation, particularly with organic forms like selenium-enriched yeast, primarily improves overall selenium status, which is critical for the proper functioning of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and for modulating immune responses. Some research indicates that selenium may enhance natural killer (NK) cell activity, although its effects on other immune markers like immunoglobulins, white blood cells, and cytokines have been inconsistent across studies. The benefits are most pronounced in individuals or populations with existing selenium deficiency or suboptimal selenium levels. A systematic review and meta-analysis found no significant impact of selenium supplementation on immunoglobulin or white blood cell levels, with only NK cell activity showing some benefit, often with complex dose-response relationships. Supplementation durations in studies typically range from 8 to 48 weeks.
How it works
Selenium exerts its biological effects primarily by being incorporated into selenoproteins, a class of proteins that play crucial roles in antioxidant defense, redox regulation, and immune system modulation. Key selenoproteins include glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases. By enhancing the activity of these selenoproteins, selenium supports immune cell function, particularly natural killer cells, and is vital for the proper metabolism of thyroid hormones. Organic selenium from yeast, predominantly selenomethionine, exhibits higher bioavailability and better tissue retention compared to inorganic forms, allowing for more efficient utilization by the body and incorporation into selenoproteins.
Side effects
Selenium supplementation is generally considered safe when taken within recommended dosages. However, high doses can lead to selenosis, a condition characterized by symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, hair loss, and brittle nails. These adverse effects are rare at typical supplemental doses. Lalmin Se1000 may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants and some chemotherapy agents, necessitating caution. It is contraindicated in individuals with known selenium toxicity or those at risk of developing it. While pregnant women and individuals with selenium deficiency may benefit most from supplementation, exceeding recommended intake levels is not advised due to the risk of toxicity. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
The recommended dietary allowance for selenium is typically 55 μg/day for adults. In research studies, selenium supplementation, often using organic forms like selenium yeast, commonly ranges from 100 to 200 μg/day. This range is generally considered optimal for improving selenium status and potentially conferring health benefits. The upper tolerable intake level for adults is approximately 400 μg/day; exceeding this limit significantly increases the risk of toxicity. For optimal absorption, it is often recommended to take selenium supplements daily with meals. Organic selenium yeast is preferred due to its superior bioavailability and tissue retention compared to inorganic forms. Adequate intake of other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, may further support selenium's functions in the body.
FAQs
Is Lalmin Se1000 effective for immune support?
Evidence suggests selenium yeast can improve selenium status and NK cell activity, but it does not consistently enhance other immune parameters like immunoglobulins or white blood cells.
Is it safe to take high doses?
High doses of selenium can lead to toxicity (selenosis), causing symptoms like hair loss and brittle nails. It is crucial to stay within recommended daily limits, typically below 400 μg/day.
How long before effects appear?
Improvements in selenium status and immune markers typically become noticeable within weeks to a few months of consistent supplementation, depending on baseline levels.
Does it prevent infections?
While selenium supports immune function, direct evidence that it prevents infections is inconclusive. Benefits may be more pronounced in individuals with existing selenium deficiency.
Research Sources
- https://iris.unimore.it/retrieve/e9a70ddb-71bc-4ee3-afa3-48d6017b1647/1-s2.0-S0002916522105289-main.pdf – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 RCTs (8-48 weeks, healthy adults) found that selenium supplementation did not significantly affect immunoglobulins or white blood cell levels. It noted an increase in NK cell activity, but NK cell counts showed an inverted U-shaped dose-response. The study concluded there is no strong evidence to support selenium supplementation for immune benefits beyond recommended dietary intake.
- https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/89672/ – This source appears to be an institutional repository link to the same systematic review and meta-analysis by Filippini et al. (2023). It reinforces the findings that selenium supplementation primarily impacts NK cell activity but has inconsistent effects on other immune parameters, suggesting limited broad immune benefits for healthy individuals.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1263853/full – This umbrella review synthesized multiple meta-analyses on selenium intake and various health outcomes. It highlighted the prevalence of low to very low quality evidence in many studies due to small sample sizes and heterogeneity. The review pointed out inconsistent findings and a lack of clear dose-response data across different health outcomes related to selenium supplementation.
