How safe is selenium sulfide?

What are the potential side effects of selenium sulfide?

Is selenium sulfide safe for children, pregnant women, or people who suffer from liver disease? Is there a need to avoid taking selenium sulfide if you are pregnant? If you plan to take a pill or eat some kind of food, be aware that these activities could reduce the amount of selenium sulfide in your body. In general, people shouldn't eat or drink very large amounts of alcohol while taking selenium sulfide.

The recommended daily limit for alcohol consumption is defined by how much alcohol is taken into your body when you drink. For adults, it's defined as 12 ounces (or about half a bottle) of wine or beer (about 3 pints), 6 ounces of hard liquor, or 24 ounces (or 2 1/2 standard servings) of malt beverages. But, keep in mind that the recommended limit is just that--a recommendation, not an absolute maximum that you should never exceed. It takes into account differences in the types of alcohol you are consuming and the body weight of the person drinking it.

With selenium sulfide, it's important to note that your body uses selenium sulfide for other purposes besides producing healthy hair and skin. One way your body gets rid of selenium is through your urine. The amount of selenium sulfide that your body produces also differs, depending on your health and medications you take. If you take selenium sulfide while using another medication that causes liver damage or affects the way selenium works in your body, you could increase the amount of selenium sulfide in your body too much. So, let your doctor know if you take other drugs at the same time as selenium sulfide. This is especially important if you take prescription medicines called "selenizing agents," which help you produce selenium in your body.

Your body uses selenium sulfide to make proteins and enzymes called glutathione peroxidase and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCL). Glutathione peroxidase helps remove cell-damaging substances from the body, while GCL helps create other proteins. Both of these functions help protect you from harmful substances in your body, such as pollution, smoke, and bacteria.

Is selenium OK during pregnancy?

Yes, it's a safe option for those who are pregnant or nursing.

Selenium is one of the few nutrients that are important for your baby's development.

When should I take it? Selenium is important for your baby's eyesight, immune system, reproductive system, and thyroid function. Research shows that during pregnancy, your baby needs more selenium than you do.

Selenium is best taken as a supplement. You can get enough selenium from the foods you eat, but it's better to get it from a supplement, which contains 100% of the recommended daily value.

Do I need to take a specific type of selenium? You need to get selenium from food or a supplement. Some selenium supplements contain other nutrients. Some are not safe to take while pregnant.

What kind of selenium is safe? Selenium is found in many foods, like fish, shellfish, soybeans, eggs, meat, and whole grains. The best type of selenium is the kind that you can get from a supplement. A good selenium supplement is the kind that has 100% of the RDI. The minimum daily amount of selenium needed is 35 mcg.

Some selenium supplements may contain other nutrients, such as vitamin E. Some supplements have side effects that may be unsafe during pregnancy. Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement.

Where do I get it? You can get it from a supplement or food. You can also get it from your doctor. Some doctors may recommend that you take a special vitamin-mineral supplement with selenium during pregnancy. Your doctor will tell you whether you need to take it.

Are there any side effects? Selenium supplements do not have any side effects that are known to be harmful. The information provided on this Web site may be used by a physician for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions resulting from use of the products described in the material. Nothing contained on this site should be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. This site does not contain a complete treatment program for any given patient.