Selenium

Information about Selenium

Selenium uses

Selenium is used in the treatment of nutritional deficiencies.

How selenium works

Selenium provides essential nutrients.

Common side effects of selenium

Nervous system disorder, Fatigue, Garlic breath odor, Irritation, Rash, Hair loss, Nail disorder

Available Medicine for Selenium

    Expert advice for Selenium

    Do not take this drug if you are allergic to selenium. Always consult your doctor before using selenium supplementation:
    • If you have chronic kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
    • If you have underactive thyroid.
    • If you have skin cancer.
    Do not take this medicine without consulting a doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Using selenium long-term or at high doses may increase your risk of developing diabetes or other serious medical conditions. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

    Frequently asked questions for Selenium

    Selenium

    Q. Can I take selenium with synthyroid/ levothyroxine/ armour thyroid/ thyroxin?
    There are no known interactions of selenium with any thyroid preparations such as synthyroid/ levothyroxine/ armour thyroid/ thyroxin. Selenium which is a part of selenoprotein (iodothyronine deiodinases) is essential for the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to the biologically active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) thereby it is important in thyroid hormone functioning
    Q. Can I take selenium with calcium?
    There are no known interactions of selenium with minerals such as calcium
    Q. Can I take selenium with other vitamins/ vitamin C/ zinc?
    Yes. Selenium (gluthathione peroxidase) has been reported to support the activity of vitamin E in limiting the oxidation of lipids (fats). Selenium also interacts with zinc (it affects cellular redox status). Selenium can, however, be taken with vitamins/ zinc; the combinations are available as a part of multivitamin preparation
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    Q. Can I take selenium with statins?
    There are no known interactions of selenium with statins. Always follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use
    Q. Can I take selenium with warfarin?
    There are no known interactions of selenium with warfarin. Always follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use.

    Content on this page was last updated on 18 February, 2020, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)