Clinicians Selenium Oral Drops 150mcg | 30ml

Clinicians Selenium Oral Drops

What is Selenium Oral Drops?

Selenium Oral Drops is a dietary supplement with potent antioxidant properties that provides protection against the damaging effects of free radicles. It also supports a healthy immune system and normal thyroid function. Selenium Oral Drops are a high potency easy to use formula with variable dosing available.

Why use Selenium Oral Drops?

Selenium is an important essential mineral that is needed by the body in small amounts and is only available from our diet. Selenium is vital for many physiological and biochemical processes including protecting against oxidative stress, supporting a healthy immune, and supporting thyroid function. A deficiency in selenium can lead to health issues and illnesses. Selenium is depleted in New Zealand soil, which is reflected in reduced amounts of selenium in our food sources. Selenium Oral Drops is a is a high potency dietary supplement that is easy to use with variable dosing available.

What are the Key Benefits of Selenium Oral Drops?

• Boosts low selenium levels 
• Provides potent antioxidant protection against cell damage due to oxidative stress
• Supports a healthy immune system
• Potent formula for rapid absorption
• Easy to use variable dosing
• Does not contain sugar or artificial sweeteners
• Does not contain added colours, flavours, preservatives, gluten, wheat or dairy

What are the Ingredients of Selenium Oral Drops? 

Each drop of Selenium Oral Drops contains 50mcg sodium selenate.

Why is Selenium important?

Selenium is a trace element that exists in the soil as inorganic selenium (selenate and selenite). It is an important trace element that cannot be synthesised in the body and can only be obtained from the diet. Selenium is accumulated from the soil by plants and converted into its organic form selenomethionine and selenocysteine, and is found mainly in cereal grains, soybeans, legumes and Brazil nuts. Selenium is also found in animal foods and dairy. The amount of selenium in the soil varies and in many parts of the world, including New Zealand, is very low. Sodium selenate is a form of selenium used in dietary supplements as it is readily soluble and has a high concentration of selenium. Selenium plays an important role in many physiological and biochemical processes including protecting against oxidative stress, supporting a healthy immune, and supporting thyroid function^{1, 2.}  

How does Selenium work in our body?

The important functional activities of selenium are due to selenoproteins, which are formed by the incorporation of selenocysteine (an analogue of the amino acid cysteine) into protein^3. Selenium circulates in the blood bound to Selenoprotein P, which is produced in the liver and plays a central role in regulating selenium levels by transporting it around the body and distributing it to the tissues where it is needed⁴.

Selenium deficiency:

Dietary factors can affect selenium levels, including low amount of selenium in the soil, insufficient dietary intake of selenium containing foods and excessive intake of alcohol and coffee. Non-dietary factors that can deplete selenium levels include smoking and increasing age5. Selenium deficiency can result in increased risk of viral infection due to impaired immune function and reduced thyroid hormone, as well as Keshan disease, a cardiomyopathy and Kashin-Beck disease, a bone disease, both of which are endemic in areas of Chin where soil selenium levels are very low^6.

Selenium for protection against oxidative stress:

An oxygen free radicle is an oxygen molecule that contains a single electron, which makes it highly reactive as it scavenges to find another unpaired electron, causing damage to lipids, proteins and DNA. These free radicles known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are also produced during normal metabolic and physiological process, such as apoptosis (programmed cell death), cell proliferation and during carcinogenesis (cancer cell formation). There are also external factors that increase generation of free radicles including smoking, alcohol and ultraviolet irradiation from the sun. Under normal conditions the body’s antioxidant defence system eliminates them so that there is a balance between generation and elimination of free radicles. If more are generated than eliminated this causes oxidative stress which is damaging to the body. Selenium is a potent antioxidant that protects cells against damage due to free radicles. It is an essential micronutrient for the synthesis of selenocysteine containing selenoproteins. These selenoproteins include the enzymes glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase that are key antioxidant enzymes protecting cells from oxidative stress. Selenium concentrates in high amounts in some tissues such as the lens of the eye, which are exposed to high levels of ultraviolet irradiation from the sun, and some studies suggest that selenium supplementation may reduce risk of cataract formation^7.

Key Antioxidant Enzymes (Protect cells from oxidative stress):

Glutathione peroxidase:

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide and hydrogen peroxide are generated under normal metabolic conditions and are needed for cellular process, however they can cause oxidative damage to cells unless they are regulated by antioxidants. The enzyme glutathione peroxidase GPx is an intracellular antioxidant that is found is most tissues and acts as a free radicle scavenger to stabilise ROS by reducing hydrogen peroxide to water and superoxides to their corresponding alcohols8. Decreases levels of GPx have been associated with aging and may contribute to chronic disease and disability^9. Reduced antioxidant activity is thought to correlate with the pathophysiology of chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cancer, where oxidative stress causes cell damage and inflammation8. Decreased GPx activity has also been associated with various cancers. A study using squamous cell carcinoma cells (skin cancer) demonstrated an association with inactivation of GPx activity^10.

Thioredoxin reductase:

Selenoproteins play a vital role in regulating cellular levels of ROS and also the cellular redox status, which refers to the balance between oxidation and reduction (or the generation and mopping up of free radicles), since some ROS are also important for normal cellular processes like intracellular signalling mechanisms and destruction of pathogens by immune cells.
The cellular redox status is regulated by the thioredoxin system, which is composed of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), a reducing agent that contributes electrons, the redox protein thioredoxin that receives electrons and the selenoprotein enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) that catalyses the reduction reaction. This thioredoxin system is a key antioxidant system that protects against oxidative stress^{11, 12.}

Selenium for thyroid function:

Thyroid hormone, also known as thyroxine, is produced by the thyroid gland, a small but important gland that sits either side of the windpipe and plays a vital role in how the body uses energy, regulates temperature, metabolises nutrients, and controls growth and development. A deficiency of thyroid hormone results in hypothyroidism with symptoms including tiredness, muscle weakness, cramps, feeling cold, a slow heart rate, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, a deep husky voice, weight gain, constipation, depression, joint or muscle pain and menstrual disturbances. Thyroid hormone exists in two forms; levothyroxine or T4 and liothyronine or T3. T4 is the major form of thyroid hormone that circulates in the blood but is also the inactive prohormone, and is converted to its active form T3, by the enzyme iodothyronine deiodinase, which removes iodine to activate T4. This deiodination occurs when T4 binds to its receptor in target tissues that include the liver and kidney as well as other tissues of the body like, skeletal muscle and brain cells^13. Selenium concentrates in the thyroid gland where it is found in higher amounts than other tissues^14. Selenium is an essential micronutrient for the synthesis of the selenoproteins iodothyronine deiodinase. Type 1 and 2 deiodinases convert thyroid prohormone (T4) into its active form (T3). Another form of iodothyronine deiodinase (type 3) deactivates T3, which provides a high level of control of thyroid hormone levels during growth and development^{13, 15.} Selenium status is associated with various thyroid conditions including Graves' disease, (an autoimmune disease resulting in over production of thyroid hormone), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease that causes destruction of thyroid cells and loss of their ability to produce thyroid hormone, resulting in hypothyroidism), goitre (enlarged thyroid gland) and thyroid cancer. Outcomes of several studies have indicated that low levels of selenium may contribute to autoimmune thyroid disease and may be associated with thyroid cancer, and that maintaining physiological levels of selenium is important for normal thyroid function^{4, 16, 17.}

Selenium for the immune system:

The immune system protects the body from harmful pathogens and malignant cells that cause cancer. An excessive immune response can cause allergies and inflammation. Regulation of the immune response is important in getting the balance right. Selenium plays an important role in immunity and is needed for several aspects of both cellular and humoral immunity (such as circulating antibodies) that constitute the immune response. This includes innate immunity, which is the body’s first line of defence and involves recruiting immune cells to the site of infection, and the production of mediators like cytokines by these cells that trigger an immune response. Adaptive or acquired immunity involves activating specific immune cells (T cells and B cells) that recognise specific antigens on foreign cells and interact to kill the pathogen^18. Animal studies have indicated that reduced selenium levels are associated with reduced immune response and increased susceptibility to viral infection, which is improved with selenium supplementation19. This has been supported by clinical studies where selenium deficiency in the Chinese population, due to low selenium soil levels, has contributed to the pathogenesis of Keshan disease, a cardiomyopathy that is thought to be caused by an endemic virus coxsackievirus. Selenium supplementation prevented this disease. Other viral infections have also been associated with low selenium levels including HIV and influenza^19. There is also increasing evidence for an antioxidant role for selenium in protecting against certain cancers. Increased oxidative stress is related to selenium deficiency and compromised immunity, which is where the antioxidant selenoproteins like glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase play a vital role. Free radicles are generated by immune cells during the immune response involved in killing pathogens, but if unregulated this can contribute to the development allergies and inflammation. Antioxidant selenoproteins ensure the balance between generation of ROS and their elimination is maintained^3.

Other Ingredients:

Selenium Oral Drops also contains purified water, citric acid, sodium citrate and potassium sorbate.

What are the Contraindications/Interactions of Selenium Oral Drops?

You should always check the ingredients for known allergies and to ensure you do not have any allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients. Stop using if you develop any irritation or allergy while taking Selenium Oral Drops. Always read the label and use as directed or seek advice from your healthcare professional.
Selenium Oral Drops are suitable to take while pregnant or breastfeeding, but you should consult your health professional before taking.

Caution:

Selenium toxicity has been reported for levels of selenium over 1000mcg per day over an extended period.

What are the Interactions with Selenium Oral Drops?

The following medications interact with Selenium Oral Drops by reducing the blood levels of selenium:

• Corticosteroids, oral contraceptives and valproic acid. 
• Antioxidant supporting nutrients 
• Vitamins C and E are both antioxidants and support the antioxidant activity of selenium. The amino acid taurine has also been found to have antioxidant properties. 

What are the Directions for using Selenium Oral Drops?

Dosage:

Adults:

Take 3 drops daily but do not exceed this daily dose of 150mcg per day, as too much selenium can be toxic. If in doubt consult your health professional.

Product Size

30ml

References

The following references provide scientific support for the use of this product:

1. Duntas L H., Benvenga S. Selenium: an element for life. Endocrine 2015;48(3):756–775 
2. Rayman MP. Selenoproteins and human health: insights from epidemiological data. Biochim Biophys Acta.2009 Nov;1790(11):1533-40. 
3. Huang Z, Rose AH, Hoffmann PR. The Role of Selenium in Inflammation and Immunity: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling Volume 16, Number 7, 2012
4. Ventura M, Miguel Melo M, Francisco Carrilho F. Selenium and Thyroid Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment. Int J Endocrinol 2017; 2017: 1297658.
5. Park K, Rimm E, Siscovick D, Spiegelman D, Morris JS, Mozaffarian D. Demographic and lifestyle factors and selenium levels in men and women in the U.S. Nutrition Research and Practice. 2011;5(4):357–364.
6. Lammi MJ, Qu C. 2Selenium-Related Transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19, 2665
7. Rayman MP. Selenium and human health. Lancet. 2012 Mar 31;379(9822):1256-68.
8. Lubos E, Loscalzo J, Handy DE. Glutathione Peroxidase-1 in Health and Disease: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. volume 15, Number 7, 2011
9. Espinoza SE, Guo H, Fedarko N, DeZern A, Fried LP, et al. Glutathione Peroxidase Enzyme Activity in Aging. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2008 May ; 63(5): 505–509.
10. Walshe J, Serewko-Auret MM, Teakle N, Cameron S, Minto K, et al. Inactivation of Glutathione Peroxidase Activity Contributes to UV-Induced Squamous Cell Carcinoma Formation. Cancer Res 2007; 67: (10).May 15, 2007
11. Mustacich D, Powis G. Thioredoxin reductase. Biochem J.2000 Feb 15;346 Pt 1:1-8.
12. Lu J, Holmgren A. The thioredoxin antioxidant system. Free Radic Biol Med.2014 Jan;66:75-87.
13. Larsen PR, Zavacki AM. Role of the Iodothyronine Deiodinases in the Physiology and Pathophysiology of Thyroid Hormone Action. Eur Thyroid J 2012;1:232–242
14. Aaseth J. Frey H. Glattre E. Norheim G. Ringstad J. Thomassen Y. Selenium concentrations in the human thyroid gland. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1990;24:147–152. 
15. Duntas LH. Selenium and the thyroid: a close-knit connection. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95:5180–5188.
16. Schomburg L. Selenium, selenoproteins and the thyroid gland: interactions in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol.2011 Oct 18;8(3):160-71. 
17. Schomburg L, Kohrle J. On the importance of selenium and iodine metabolism for thyroid hormone biosynthesis and human health Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2008, 1 52, 000 – 000
18. Arthur JR, McKenziey RC, Beckett GJ. Selenium in the Immune System. J. Nutr. 133: 1457S–1459S, 2003. 
19. Hoffmann PR, Berry MJ. The influence of selenium on immune responses Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008 November ; 52(11): 1273–1280.