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SelenoExcell

Also known as: SelenoExcell, organic selenium, selenium yeast, organic selenium supplement, Selenium-enriched yeast

Overview

SelenoExcell is a trademarked form of organic selenium, primarily consisting of selenium-enriched yeast, with selenomethionine as its main selenium species. It is used as a dietary supplement to provide highly bioavailable selenium, an essential trace element naturally found in foods like Brazil nuts, seafood, and cereals. This supplement is primarily utilized to improve selenium status, support antioxidant defenses, enhance thyroid function, bolster immune response, and potentially aid in mood regulation. Compared to inorganic selenium forms (selenite, selenate), SelenoExcell offers superior bioavailability and a more favorable safety profile. Research on selenium supplementation is extensive, with high-quality evidence supporting its roles in thyroid autoimmunity, immune function, and mortality reduction in critical illness, while its effects on other areas are still being investigated.

Benefits

Selenium supplementation, particularly with organic forms like SelenoExcell, offers several evidence-based benefits. For individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, selenium yeast significantly reduces thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), with consistent reductions observed within 3–6 months and sustained for up to 12 months, as shown in multiple meta-analyses. In critically ill patients, parenteral selenium supplementation has been found to reduce all-cause mortality by approximately 17% when administered for more than 7 days, indicating a clinically meaningful impact. Furthermore, selenium supplementation is associated with a modest but significant decrease in depressive symptoms, although more research is needed to confirm these effects. Selenium also supports overall immune function by modulating immune markers and reducing oxidative stress. These benefits are most pronounced in selenium-deficient individuals or those with specific conditions like autoimmune thyroid disease and critical illness. The effects on thyroid antibodies are statistically significant with moderate effect sizes, while mortality reduction in ICU patients is clinically relevant.

How it works

Selenium exerts its biological effects primarily by being incorporated into selenoproteins, such as glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases. These selenoproteins play crucial roles in regulating redox balance and providing antioxidant defense within the body. SelenoExcell, as an organic selenium yeast, interacts with various body systems by modulating immune responses, influencing thyroid hormone metabolism through deiodinases, and supporting neuronal function. Its key molecular targets are these selenoproteins, which are vital for reducing oxidative stress and regulating immune processes. Organic selenium yeast, particularly selenomethionine, boasts higher bioavailability compared to inorganic forms, as it is absorbed efficiently via the same pathways used for methionine.

Side effects

SelenoExcell is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare, occasionally reported side effect. Unlike inorganic selenium forms, organic selenium yeast has a lower risk of toxicity. However, very high doses can lead to selenium toxicity, known as selenosis, characterized by symptoms such as hair loss, nail brittleness, and garlic breath; these are rare when supplementation adheres to recommended limits. Potential drug interactions include those with anticoagulants and certain chemotherapy agents, necessitating caution. SelenoExell is contraindicated in individuals with known selenium hypersensitivity and should be used with caution in patients who already have adequate or high selenium status. Pregnant and lactating women should only use this supplement under medical supervision, and individual selenium status should always be considered before initiating supplementation.

Dosage

For general supplementation and to address thyroid autoimmunity, a common and effective dosage range for selenium yeast, including SelenoExcell, is 100–200 µg/day. Higher doses may be used in critical illness settings, but these are typically administered parenterally and under strict clinical supervision. The minimum effective dose for reducing thyroid antibodies is often around 200 µg/day. The upper tolerable intake level for adults is generally 400 µg/day to prevent toxicity. Benefits on thyroid autoimmunity typically manifest after 3–6 months of consistent use, while in critical illness, supplementation for at least 7 days is often required for optimal outcomes. Organic selenium yeast is preferred due to its superior bioavailability and safety profile. Absorption can be enhanced when taken with food, and it's advisable to avoid simultaneous high doses of competing minerals. Adequate intake of other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, may synergize with selenium's effects.

FAQs

Is SelenoExcell safe for long-term use?

Yes, at recommended doses (typically up to 200 µg/day), SelenoExcell is generally considered safe for long-term use, especially with periodic monitoring of selenium status.

How quickly does SelenoExcell work?

Effects on thyroid antibodies typically appear within 3–6 months. Immune and mood-related benefits may take several weeks to months to become noticeable.

Can SelenoExcell prevent thyroid disease?

While it can reduce antibody levels and inflammation associated with autoimmune thyroid conditions, it does not definitively prevent the onset of thyroid disease.

Is SelenoExcell better than inorganic selenium?

Yes, organic selenium yeast forms like SelenoExcell offer superior bioavailability and a better safety profile compared to inorganic selenium compounds.

Are there risks of overdose with SelenoExcell?

Yes, exceeding the upper tolerable intake level of 400 µg/day can lead to selenium toxicity (selenosis). Adhering to dosing guidelines is crucial.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10951571/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 RCTs involving over 3000 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis found that selenium supplementation significantly reduces TPOAb levels at 3–6 months. The study addressed high heterogeneity through subgroup analyses and concluded with robust methodology, supporting selenium's role in thyroid autoimmunity.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0054431 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs in critically ill patients (n>1000) demonstrated that parenteral selenium supplementation reduces all-cause mortality (RR 0.83, p=0.04), with longer treatment durations (>7 days) improving outcomes. The study highlights the clinical relevance of selenium in critical care despite some heterogeneity in dosing.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-05078-1 – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated selenium supplementation's effect on depressive symptoms across various populations. It found a modest decrease in depressive symptoms but noted high heterogeneity and a small number of trials, suggesting that while promising, further high-quality RCTs are warranted.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1263853/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental human studies on immunity concluded that selenium improves immune markers and reduces oxidative stress. Despite limitations in the number of RCTs specifically focused on immune endpoints, the study provides good quality evidence supporting selenium's immunomodulatory role.