selenium

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

selenium is a chemical element with the symbol Se and atomic number 34. It is a nonmetal with properties that make it useful in a variety of applications, including electronics, glassmaking, and pharmaceuticals. 

In biological systems, selenium is essential for maintaining health and preventing disease. It plays a critical role in the body’s antioxidant defense system, and it is involved in the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones. 

Here are some of the actions and spectrum of selenium: 

• Antioxidant activity: it is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. 
• Immune system support: Selenium plays a crucial role in the immune system by helping to produce proteins that help fight off infections. 
• Thyroid function: it is essential for the production and metabolism of thyroid hormones, which play a critical role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development. 
• Cancer prevention: Some studies have suggested that selenium may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer. 
• Cardiovascular health: selenium has been shown to have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow. 
• Cognitive function: Some research has suggested that selenium may play a role in maintaining cognitive function and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency Not Defined 

Irritation

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

One of the black box warnings associated with selenium is related to its toxicity. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication / Caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Hypersensitivity to selenium or any of the ingredients in selenium supplements 
• Severe kidney disease 
• History of selenium toxicity 

Cautions: 

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Although selenium is essential during pregnancy and lactation, excessive intake can be harmful to the developing fetus or infant. 
• Diabetes: High doses of selenium may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 
• Autoimmune disorders: Selenium supplements may stimulate the immune system and exacerbate autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. 
• Thyroid disorders: Selenium is necessary for proper thyroid function, but excessive intake can cause thyroid dysfunction. 
• Cancer: Some studies suggest that high selenium intake may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as skin cancer. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:   

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is known

Pregnancy Categories:     

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Pharmacologically, selenium is available in various forms, including inorganic forms such as selenite and selenate, and organic forms such as selenomethionine and selenocysteine. The bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of selenium vary depending on the form and route of administration. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of selenium refers to how it interacts with the body at the molecular and cellular level to produce its therapeutic effects. 

One of the main functions of selenium is its role in the synthesis of selenoproteins, which are enzymes that contain selenium in their active site. These selenoproteins are involved in various cellular processes, including redox homeostasis, inflammation, and DNA synthesis and repair. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

selenium is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the small intestine. 

Distribution 

selenium is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, and it is taken up by cells and tissues, particularly the liver, kidney, and spleen. 

Metabolism 

selenium is metabolized primarily in the liver, where it is converted into selenocysteine, which is then incorporated into selenoproteins. 

Elimination and Excretion 

selenium is excreted from the body primarily in the urine, but also in feces and sweat. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

selenium is an essential trace element that is important for several physiological processes in the human body. It is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, thyroid gland, and reproductive system. 

The recommended dietary intake of selenium varies depending on age, gender, and other factors. In general, the recommended daily intake of selenium for adults is 55 micrograms per day. 

selenium can be obtained from dietary sources such as seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, and grains. However, in some cases, supplementation with selenium may be necessary, particularly for individuals with specific health conditions or who are deficient in this trace element. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: selenium 

Why do we use selenium? 

selenium is an essential trace element that is important for several physiological processes in the human body. It is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, thyroid gland, and reproductive system. 

Here are some of the key reasons why we use selenium: 

• Antioxidant: selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. 
• Thyroid function: Selenium plays a critical role in the production of thyroid hormones, which are important for metabolism, growth, and development. 
• Immune system function: Selenium is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, helping to protect the body from infections and disease. 
• Reproductive health: Selenium is important for male and female reproductive health, including the production of sperm and the prevention of birth defects. 
• Cancer prevention: Some research has suggested that selenium may help to prevent certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.