• Selenium in its best form – l-selenomethionine
• Beneficial for thyroid functions
• Strengthens organism’s defence mechanisms
• Reduces risk of cancer development
• High assimilability of supplement
• Infertility prevention in men
• Strong antioxidant effect
• High dosage of selenium per portion
• Improves conversion of T4 to T3
• Supports spermatogenesis processes

Selenium by Swanson is a dietary supplement containing selenium in the form of l-selenomethionine in the amount of 100 mcg per capsule.

Selenium – a chemical element occurring naturally in the human organism in trace amounts; however, it should be delivered from the outside with food in larger doses. Its highest amounts are found in such products as meat, eggs, dairy, or fish, and the most bioavailable and assimilable form of selenium is l-selenomethionine, which is formed as a result of selenium ions and l-methionine binding.

Because of its properties, it is recommended for people with circulatory system disorders, as its normal concentration supports coronary vessels and regulates the functioning of the heart. It also exhibits strong detoxifying properties regarding heavy metals and has a beneficial effect on thyroid diseases. It is used more and more often by men in order to improve the quality of semen.

Demand for selenium
The daily selenium requirement for adults established by the American institution FDA amounts to 55 micrograms. However, tests show that for the normal functioning of the entire organism, the recommended daily intake of selenium is 100-200 mcg, which is why additional supplementation is often necessary.

Selenium deficiencies are caused by a negligible amount of the element in food products, which results from its reduced content in the ground in some areas. Selenium deficiencies are correlated with an increased incidence of thyroid disorders, vascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney diseases.

A reduced blood selenium level can give characteristic symptoms, like muscle pains, weakness, frequent infections, or the feeling of tiredness.

Antioxidant effect
Selenium is thought to be one of the strongest antioxidants in the human organism. Its main function is the production of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which reduces hydrogen peroxides and organic peroxides formed when free radicals attack cells. The right concentration of selenium in the blood serum prevents the damage of erythrocytes, cell membranes, and DNA strands, whose mutations and transformations can lead to neoplastic lesions.

Excessive oxidative stress caused by the lack of balance between antioxidants and reactive oxygen species occurs during the processing of oxygen in the organism. The process is completely natural; however, when the number of free radicals is too high, they can contribute to the development of cardiovascular system diseases, skin aging, as well as neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases.

Oxidative stress is particularly frequent in people who train intensively, smoke cigarettes, or live in constant exposure to stress and sunlight. Eating highly processed, chemical foods with pesticides and general environment pollution can also contribute to excessive oxidative stress in the organism.

Selenium and a healthy thyroid gland
Apart from its presence in antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, thioreductase), selenium also takes part in the production and breakdown of thyroid hormones. It is a component of deiodinases, which are responsible for the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) and inactivate the already produced thyroid hormones, as well as protect the gland from the destructive activity of hydrogen peroxide by forming selenoproteins. Numerous tests have demonstrated that using selenium reduces the toxic effect of excess iodine on the thyroid.

A test on a group of people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis proved that l-selenomethionine supplementation in the dosage of 200 mcg for 3 months leads to a decrease in aTPO antibodies by about 40 per cent, increases the proportion of FT3 to FT4, and improves the thyroid structure in ultrasound scans.

Selenium supplementation can be a good solution of people with autoimmune hyperthyroidism – Graves’ disease. The dosage of 100 mcg administered for 6 months reduces the negative consequences of the disease and improves the overall well-being of patients.

Strengthening the immune system
The right concentration of selenium in the blood plasma determines the smooth and efficient functioning of the immune system by stimulating the production of lymphocytes, macrophages, and other cells of the immune system. Increased defence mechanisms in the organism are an excellent barrier for pathogens, microorganisms, and parasites; they do not allow the occurrence of bacterial and viral infections.

Selenium supplementation is particularly recommended for people with frequently recurring herpes. Tests show that administering selenium in the dosage of 100 mcg helps to fight the troublesome changes on the skin around the lips.

Effect on fertility
Selenium is a very important element for men, as it plays a major role in the process of spermatogenesis – the production and maturation of male gametes. It is responsible for the quality of semen, the number of sperm, their activity and motility.

The right concentration of selenium increases the production of testosterone, which is responsible for a high libido, sex drive, and vitality. Tests show that selenium plays a very important role in reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer in men.

To sum up, Selenium by Swanson is a perfect agent created by the combination of selenium ions with l-methionine, which makes it the best and most bioavailable form of selenium for the organism. It is particularly recommended for people who struggle with thyroid disorders and for athletes. When used for preventive purposes, it can prevent male infertility.