We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Selenomethionine?

By Douglas Bonderud
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 17,003
Share

Selenomethionine is an amino acid that contains the element selenium. It is also known as Se-met or Se. This acid is not produced in the human body naturally and must be ingested. Only small amounts of selenium are required for the body to function properly. According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences (IOM), the recommended daily dosage of selenomethionine is 45 micrograms (ug) for a baby and 400 ug for an adult.

This amino acid is necessary for the protection of red blood cells, and their membranes, from reactive agents. It operates as an antioxidant, which can shut down these agents before they attack red blood cells. It becomes active by bonding to proteins in place of methionine. Methionine and selenomethionine are bonded interchangeably by proteins, and both are beneficial. Selenomethionine may also have an anti-aging effect.

Selenium is found naturally in many plants, including wheat, soybeans, and Brazil nuts. These sources are usually enough to maintain a healthy level of selenium in the body. Typically, this amino acid is self-regulating in the human body. This means it is stored in proteins until enough has been accumulated, and then bonding of selenomethionine stops.

A deficiency in selenium can lead to reduced immune system cell production, and a higher risk of death in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Also, a lack of selenomethionine can impair thyroid function. Too little selenium can also inhibit the production of glutathione peroxidase, another of the body's main antioxidant agents.

An excess of selenium can also have damaging effects on the body's function. Selenium toxicity can cause a loss of hair, fatigue, and white fingernails. In horses, too much of this amino acid causes Alkali disease, resulting in deformed hooves, hair loss, and weight loss.

Another form of selenium that can be ingested by humans is selenite. Selenite is an inorganic chemical compound, whereas all forms of selenomethionine are organic. A recent clinical study showed that organic selenium was absorbed at a rate 19% better than its inorganic counterpart.

In 2009, a study was conducted to determine the usefulness of selenomethionine as a cancer treatment. A group of prostate cancer patients were used, and it was determined that the both Se-met and selenium were present throughout their prostate cells. This has given researchers hope that selenium may be effective as a chemo-preventive agent for prostate cancer.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-selenomethionine.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.