What Are the Sources of Selenium?

Selenium is a trace mineral available from natural sources and nutritional supplements. Natural selenium enters the food chain through plants and animals, while supplements provide selenium through specific compounds such as selenomethionine, sodium selenite and sodium selenate.

The form and source of selenium can vary. Natural selenium levels are influenced by factors such as soil composition and geographic location, while supplements contain defined selenium compounds listed in the product ingredients.

The Main Sources of Selenium

Selenium comes from two broad sources: natural sources and nutritional supplements.

Natural selenium comes from the environment. Plants absorb selenium from the soil, and it can then enter the food chain. The amount present can vary considerably because soil selenium levels are different from one region to another.

Selenium is also used in nutritional supplements. These products provide the mineral in a specified form, such as selenomethionine, sodium selenite or sodium selenate. Some contain selenium on its own, while others include it as part of a wider vitamin and mineral formula.

Natural Selenium Sources

Natural selenium comes from the environment and enters the food chain through plants and animals. Selenium occurs naturally in soil, where plants can absorb it as they grow. Animals can then obtain selenium through their diet.

The amount of selenium present in a natural source is not fixed. Soil composition, geographical location and growing conditions can all affect how much selenium is available to plants.

This variation means that natural selenium sources can contain different amounts of the mineral, even when the sources are otherwise similar.

Plant-Based Selenium

Plant-based selenium comes from plants that have absorbed selenium from the soil. How much selenium a plant takes up depends partly on the amount and characteristics of selenium present in the soil.

As a result, plant-based selenium does not have a standard concentration across all sources. Geographical location and growing conditions can affect the amount of selenium present in plant-based sources.

Plant-based selenium is therefore part of the natural selenium cycle, with the soil providing the original source and plants transferring the mineral into the food chain.

Selenium Mineral Sources

Selenium is a trace mineral, and selenium mineral sources include both natural sources and selenium compounds used in supplements.

There are several forms of selenium. Selenomethionine is an organic form, while sodium selenite and sodium selenate are inorganic forms. The name on a supplement label can therefore tell you more about the particular selenium source used in the product.

These forms are chemically different, even though they all provide selenium. This is why two products containing selenium can have different ingredient lists.

What Types of Selenium Sources Are Available?

Selenium sources fall into two main groups: natural selenium sources and selenium provided through nutritional supplements. Natural sources contain selenium as part of naturally occurring compounds, while supplements provide a defined selenium compound within a formulated product.

Among supplement sources, selenomethionine, sodium selenite and sodium selenate are commonly used forms. Selenomethionine is an organic form of selenium, while sodium selenite and sodium selenate are inorganic forms.

The main difference is therefore the form in which selenium is present. Natural sources can vary in selenium content, while supplements use a specified selenium compound and list that compound on the product label.

How Do Selenium Sources Differ?

Selenium can come from natural dietary sources or nutritional supplements, but the mineral isn't presented the same way in every source. Natural selenium levels can vary with factors such as soil composition and geographical location, particularly in plant-based sources.

Supplements are different because they use specific selenium compounds. These include organic forms such as selenomethionine and inorganic forms such as sodium selenite and sodium selenate.

So, when comparing different sources of selenium, it helps to look beyond the word “selenium” on the label. The source, chemical form and concentration all provide information about what kind of selenium a product or natural source contains.

How to Find the Source of Selenium on a Supplement Label

The ingredients list usually identifies the source of selenium rather than the word “selenium” alone. Look for the specific selenium compound used in the formulation, such as selenomethionine, sodium selenite or sodium selenate.

The form can also show whether the selenium is organic or inorganic. Selenomethionine is an organic form of selenium, while sodium selenite and sodium selenate are inorganic forms.

The label may also show selenium as part of a wider vitamin and mineral formulation. Looking at the ingredients lets you identify the specific selenium source used, rather than relying only on the product name.

Holland & Barrett offers a range of selenium supplements in different formulations, including products where selenium is provided as part of a wider vitamin and mineral formula. The range lets you compare the selenium source and form listed on each product label.

FAQs

Can selenium be found in multivitamins?

Yes. Selenium can be included in multivitamin and mineral formulations alongside other nutrients. The exact ingredients and forms vary between products.

Are selenium supplements available without other vitamins and minerals?

Yes. Selenium is available in standalone supplements where selenium is the main active ingredient. Other products combine selenium with several vitamins or minerals.

What does selenium on a supplement label mean?

“Selenium” on a supplement label identifies the mineral the product provides. The ingredients may also name the specific selenium compound used, such as selenomethionine, sodium selenite or sodium selenate.

Are there different forms of selenium supplements?

Yes. Selenium supplements can contain different chemical forms, including organic forms such as selenomethionine and inorganic forms such as sodium selenite and sodium selenate.

What does organic selenium mean on a supplement label?

Organic selenium refers to selenium that is part of an organic compound. It describes the mineral's chemical form and differs from the term “organic,” which refers to certified organic products.

Can selenium be combined with other minerals?

Yes. Selenium can be included in formulations containing other minerals, including products that combine selenium with zinc or other nutrients.

Does the source of selenium affect the type of supplement?

Yes. The source and chemical form of selenium determine how it is represented in a supplement's formulation and ingredient list. Different selenium compounds can therefore appear in different products.