nootroworld
Supplement guide Minerals

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body, supporting immune function and overall health. It plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative damage and is important for thyroid function and hormone metabolism.

At a glance

Snapshot

Primary goal
Antioxidant support
Dosage range
55-200 mcg daily
Best time to take
With meals
Time to effect
2-4 weeks
Common stacks
Vitamin E, Zinc, Iodine
Intake notes
Avoid exceeding 400 mcg daily to prevent toxicity

Top 3 Best Selenium Supplements

#1 NootroScore9.0
Carlyle Carlyle Selenium Supplement 200mcg | 270 Tablet Capsules | Essential Trace Mineral | Vegetarian, Non-GMO, Gluten Free

Carlyle

Carlyle Selenium Supplement 200mcg | 270 Tablet Capsules | Essential Trace Mineral | Vegetarian, Non-GMO, Gluten Free

CapsuleVegetarianNon-GMO
Quantity
270 count
Potency
200mcg

$8.99$0.03/count

View product
#2 NootroScore9.0
Bronson Bronson Selenium 200 mcg Immune & Antioxidant Support Essential Mineral, 250 Vegetarian Tablets

Bronson

Bronson Selenium 200 mcg Immune & Antioxidant Support Essential Mineral, 250 Vegetarian Tablets

TabletVegetarian
Quantity
250 count
Potency
200 mcg

$9.97$0.04/count

View product
#3 NootroScore8.7
Solaray Solaray Yeast Free Selenium 200mcg, Selenium Capsules for Healthy Thyroid Function & Immune Support, High Absorption Supplement, Vegan, 90 Servings, 90 VegCaps

Solaray

Solaray Yeast Free Selenium 200mcg, Selenium Capsules for Healthy Thyroid Function & Immune Support, High Absorption Supplement, Vegan, 90 Servings, 90 VegCaps

CapsuleYeast FreeVegan
Quantity
90 count
Potency
200mcg

$11.75$0.13/count

View product

Top 10 Selenium Supplements

#1
Carlyle Carlyle Selenium Supplement 200mcg | 270 Tablet Capsules | Essential Trace Mineral | Vegetarian, Non-GMO, Gluten Free

Carlyle

Carlyle Selenium Supplement 200mcg | 270 Tablet Capsules | Essential Trace Mineral | Vegetarian, Non-GMO, Gluten Free

CapsuleVegetarianNon-GMO
Quantity
270 count
Potency
200mcg
NootroScore
9.0
Price
$8.99$0.03/count
Buy
#2
Bronson Bronson Selenium 200 mcg Immune & Antioxidant Support Essential Mineral, 250 Vegetarian Tablets

Bronson

Bronson Selenium 200 mcg Immune & Antioxidant Support Essential Mineral, 250 Vegetarian Tablets

TabletVegetarian
Quantity
250 count
Potency
200 mcg
NootroScore
9.0
Price
$9.97$0.04/count
Buy
#3
Solaray Solaray Yeast Free Selenium 200mcg, Selenium Capsules for Healthy Thyroid Function & Immune Support, High Absorption Supplement, Vegan, 90 Servings, 90 VegCaps

Solaray

Solaray Yeast Free Selenium 200mcg, Selenium Capsules for Healthy Thyroid Function & Immune Support, High Absorption Supplement, Vegan, 90 Servings, 90 VegCaps

CapsuleYeast FreeVegan
Quantity
90 count
Potency
200mcg
NootroScore
8.7
Price
$11.75$0.13/count
Buy
#4
Thorne THORNE Selenium - 200 mcg Selenium Supplement for Antioxidant Support* - 60 Capsules

Thorne

THORNE Selenium - 200 mcg Selenium Supplement for Antioxidant Support* - 60 Capsules

Capsule
Quantity
60 count
Potency
200 mcg
NootroScore
8.5
Price
$13.00$0.22/count
Buy
#5
Nutricost Nutricost Selenium 200mcg, 240 Vegetarian Capsules, Non-GMO, Gluten Free L-Selenomethionine

Nutricost

Nutricost Selenium 200mcg, 240 Vegetarian Capsules, Non-GMO, Gluten Free L-Selenomethionine

CapsuleNon-GMOGluten Free
Quantity
240 count
Potency
200mcg
NootroScore
8.4
Price
$13.95$0.06/count
Buy
#6
Bronson Bronson Selenium 200 mcg – Yeast Free Chelated Amino Acid Complex - Essential Trace Mineral with Superior Absorption, 250 Vegetarian Capsules

Bronson

Bronson Selenium 200 mcg – Yeast Free Chelated Amino Acid Complex - Essential Trace Mineral with Superior Absorption, 250 Vegetarian Capsules

CapsuleYeast FreeChelated Amino Acid Complex
Quantity
250 count
Potency
200 mcg
NootroScore
8.2
Price
$14.99$0.06/count
Buy
#7
NOW Foods Now Foods Now Foods, Selenium, (2 Pack) Yeast Free, 100 mcg, 250 Tablets

NOW Foods

Now Foods Now Foods, Selenium, (2 Pack) Yeast Free, 100 mcg, 250 Tablets

TabletYeast Free
Quantity
250 count
Potency
100 mcg
NootroScore
7.5
Price
$19.95$0.04/count
Buy
#8
Now Foods Now Foods Selenium 200 mcg VCaps, 180 Count (Pack of 2)

Now Foods

Now Foods Selenium 200 mcg VCaps, 180 Count (Pack of 2)

CapsuleVegetarian
Quantity
180 count
Potency
200 mcg
NootroScore
7.4
Price
$20.30$10.15/count
Buy
#9
Earthier Organic Selenium 200 mcg with Iodine and Silica All from Certified Organic Whole Foods - Two Month Supply

Earthier

Organic Selenium 200 mcg with Iodine and Silica All from Certified Organic Whole Foods - Two Month Supply

SupplementCertified OrganicWhole Foods
Quantity
60 Count (Pack of 1)
Potency
200 mcg
NootroScore
7.4
Price
$19.95$0.33/count
Buy
#10
Solgar Solgar Yeast-Free Selenium 200 mcg, 250 Tablets - Supports Antioxidant & Immune System Health - Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Kosher - 250 Servings

Solgar

Solgar Yeast-Free Selenium 200 mcg, 250 Tablets - Supports Antioxidant & Immune System Health - Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Kosher - 250 Servings

TabletNon-GMOVegan
Quantity
250 count
Potency
200 mcg
NootroScore
7.1
Price
$22.24$0.09/count
Buy

Affiliate disclosure: NootroWorld may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. Rankings are calculated independently of any affiliate relationship. How we make money.

Use and selection

Buying Guide

Everything you need to know to make an informed decision about Selenium

Why It Matters

Selenium is a crucial antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and supports immune function. It's essential for proper thyroid hormone metabolism and may help reduce inflammation in the body.

How Selenium Helps You

Antioxidant Protection

Selenium is a key component of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, which helps neutralize harmful free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress and damage.

Immune Support

Selenium enhances immune function by supporting the production and activity of white blood cells, helping the body defend against infections and illnesses.

Thyroid Support

Selenium is essential for thyroid hormone metabolism, aiding in the conversion of T4 to active T3 and protecting the thyroid gland from oxidative damage.

Cognitive Enhancement

Selenium supports brain health by reducing oxidative stress in neural tissues, which may help improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Selenium answered by our experts

What are the benefits of taking selenium supplements?
Selenium supplements support immune function, act as a powerful antioxidant to protect cells from oxidative damage, and are crucial for proper thyroid hormone metabolism. They may also reduce inflammation and lower the risk of certain chronic diseases when taken at appropriate doses.
How much selenium should I take daily?
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for selenium is 55 mcg for adults, with an upper limit of 400 mcg to avoid toxicity. Higher doses may be used short-term under medical supervision, but excessive intake can lead to adverse effects like hair loss or gastrointestinal issues.
Can selenium help with thyroid problems?
Yes, selenium is essential for thyroid function as it helps convert thyroid hormones (T4 to T3) and protects the thyroid gland from oxidative damage. Some studies suggest it may benefit people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but consult your doctor before supplementing.
What are the side effects of too much selenium?
Excessive selenium intake (above 400 mcg/day) can cause selenosis, with symptoms like hair loss, brittle nails, nausea, fatigue, and nerve damage. Long-term overdose may lead to more serious complications, so stick to recommended doses unless directed otherwise by a healthcare provider.
Does selenium interact with any medications?
Selenium may interact with certain medications including blood thinners (like warfarin), some chemotherapy drugs, and medications that lower cholesterol. It's important to discuss selenium supplementation with your doctor if you're on any prescription medications.
Which foods are high in selenium?
Brazil nuts are the richest source (just 1-2 nuts can meet daily needs), followed by seafood (tuna, halibut, sardines), organ meats, poultry, eggs, and sunflower seeds. Soil selenium content affects plant-based sources, so levels vary by region.
Nothing on this page is medical advice. Supplements can interact with prescription medications, pregnancy, and pre-existing conditions. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance.