The best type of selenium supplement is generally considered to be selenomethionine due to its superior absorption rate.
Understanding Selenium Supplements
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in various bodily functions. It's available in different supplement forms, and their effectiveness can vary.
Key Forms of Selenium
| Selenium Form | Absorption Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Selenomethionine | Superior | Shown to have better absorption compared to other forms. A naturally occurring amino acid found in plants. |
| Sodium Selenite | Variable | A common form of selenium found in supplements, but generally considered less absorbable than selenomethionine. |
| Other Selenium Forms | N/A | Various other forms exist, but may not be as well-researched or as readily absorbed as selenomethionine or sodium selenite. |
Why Selenomethionine is Often Recommended
According to research, selenomethionine stands out because of its enhanced absorption rate within the body compared to sodium selenite. This means that your body can utilize a larger proportion of the selenium you ingest, making it a potentially more effective choice for supplementation. Several studies support this, indicating its superiority in absorption (3, 8, 9).
- Higher Bioavailability: Selenomethionine is more readily absorbed.
- Effective for Replenishing Selenium Levels: Due to its high absorption rate, it efficiently raises selenium levels in the body.
