Selene-Activ

[Questions & Answers]

Why should I take a selenium supplement?

Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a very important role in human health and it can only be obtained through the diet. However, the average UK diet contains low amounts of selenium. This is mainly due to a decrease in use of the selenium rich North American wheat for bread making. Busy lifestyles also make eating wholesome balanced meals more difficult. Therefore, taking a selenium supplement has become very popular and necessary if we want to maintain good health.

What is sulforaphane?

Sulforaphane is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, radishes and cabbage. It forms part of a group of plant extracts known as isothiocyanates. Research has shown it has a protective role in the liver by helping in the detoxification process of certain toxins. Selenium and sulforaphane have also been shown to work synergistically protecting the body cells against damage caused by free radicals.

What is alpha lipoic acid?

Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant, which is produced by the body. Its function is similar to that of vitamin C and E and it has been found to enhance the action of these vitamins in the body, whilst working as an antioxidant in its own right.

Alpha lipoic acid seems to be able to quench specific free radical species, where other antioxidant nutrients remain less effective and also acts as an antioxidant in both water- and fat-soluble region of cells.

What makes Selene-Activ different from other selenium products in the market?

At Wassen we use selenium yeast in our products and Selene-Active is not an exception. Selenium yeast provides the organic form, the type of selenium we consume from food. A large number of human studies have used selenium yeast. Long-term studies have also shown this form of selenium to be very safe within the recommended parameters of upper intake levels

What is the difference between Selenium-ACE and Selene-Activ?

In line with the latest selenium research trials in the United States and Europe we decided to make available a higher strength selenium formula to give our customers a wider choice therefore we have improved on the formula.

Selene-Activ provides 200µg of selenium per tablet, which is double the dose of the selenium found in Selenium-ACE. In addition, Selene-Activ contains zinc, sulforaphane and alpha lipoic acid in order to make this product a more comprehensive antioxidant formula. Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant which also enhances the action of vitamins C and E in the body. The body can manufacture alpha lipoic acid but with advancing age production may decline. Sulforaphane also enhances the work of selenium and has protective properties in itself. Extensive research shows evidence of the importance of zinc for a healthy immune system.

Selenium-ACE (100 µg) provides a good level of selenium for health maintenance but certain individuals may choose to take a higher dose for various reasons.

What is the difference between Selenium-ACE Extra and Selene-Activ?

In addition to the 200 µg of selenium, which has remained at the same level, Selene-Activ contains the new ingredients zinc and sulforaphane plus higher doses of alpha lipoic acid and vitamin C in order to make this product a more comprehensive antioxidant formula.

At the same time, we have taken the vitamins A and B6 and the mineral manganese out of the formula, as we believe these are nutrients easily obtainable by taking a multivitamin and mineral products.

Why should I take antioxidants?

Oxygen, which is essential to life, also has a negative effect. This however can be well controlled by the body's own enzyme systems and antioxidant substances found in our food. Just as oxygen causes iron to rust and butter to go rancid, it exerts a similar effect on the cells. The role of antioxidants is to stem this process, referred to as oxidation, which produces highly reactive particles called free radicals. Oxygen is not the only source of free radicals. Other sources include pollutants, such as smoke or smog, UV radiation, the ingestion of rancid fats and even infection where immune cells produce free radicals to fight unwanted microbes.

The aim is to keep free radicals and antioxidants in balance. Fruit and vegetables are a good source of antioxidant vitamins, such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E. Whole grains, nuts and seeds on the other hand are a good source of antioxidant minerals such as selenium, zinc, manganese and vitamin E.

Can I take Selene-Activ if I am planning pregnancy, if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?

Whilst all ingredients found in Selene-Activ are deemed safe for food supplements, which are classed as a food, we always recommend that those planning pregnancy, who are pregnant or breast-feeding, consult their doctor prior to taking any food supplements. Each tablet of Selenium-ACE provides 450 micrograms of vitamin A derived from both vitamin A as retinol and beta-carotene. The retinol component is 300 micrograms per tablet, which should not be taken in excess during pregnancy.

Can I take Selene-Activ with other food supplements?

Selene-Activ can safely be combined with other vitamins and minerals provided maximum safety limits for their active ingredients are not exceeded. In the case of Selene-Activ, particular care needs to be taken with the trace element selenium as 200mcg is the recommended upper safe limit for long term supplementation. A daily dose of 450mcg of selenium from supplements and food sources should not be exceeded.

Click here to view advice on upper safe levels for supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

Can I take Selene-Activ if I am taking medication prescribed by my doctor for an existing medical condition?

In some cases, there might be interactions between nutritional supplements and drugs. That is why, at Wassen International, we always recommend that those suffering from a medical condition or on medication check with their doctor, prior to taking any food supplements to make sure they are suitable.

When is the best time to take Selene-Activ?

We recommend that Selene-Activ is taken after a meal. This can enhance absorption of nutrients and may prevent stomach upset in those individuals who cannot tolerate taking tablets on an empty stomach. A regular course is recommended.

Are there any side-effects with Selene-Activ?

Selene-Activ is usually very well tolerated. As with any food, there is always a possibility that individuals may have a sensitivity to one or more ingredients contained in the product. We always recommend that in the event of any unusual symptoms being noted upon taking our products, they should be discontinued and a doctor consulted to rule out any other cause for the symptoms.

I have a sensitivity to yeast, can I still take Selene-Activ?

The selenium contained in Selene-Activ is in the form of a high selenium yeast. This involves a special type of yeast which has selenium incorporated into the protein structures. This yeast is not a live yeast, but may not be suitable for those who have a specific allergy to yeast.

Is Selene-Activ suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Selene-Activ is suitable for vegetarians and vegans

I am allergic to gluten, can I take Selene-Activ?

Selene-Activ is completely gluten-free and is suitable for coeliacs.

I am allergic to dairy products, can I still take Selene-Activ?

Selene-Activ is completely free from ingredients sourced from dairy milk products.

What are good food sources of selenium?

Brazil nuts, offal, cereal grains and fish. As selenium is distributed unevenly in the soil the amount of selenium found in food depends in which area it was grown or reared. It would appear that Norfolk is an area in the UK with good supplies of selenium in the soil, but generally soil levels tend to be low.