Selenium-ACE

[Questions & Answers]

I hear the words antioxidant and free radicals mentioned a lot, is selenium an antioxidant?

Yes, selenium is required for the production of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, which exert a powerfully protective effect against cell damage by free radicals. Because selenium is essential for the formation of these enzymes, it is classed an antioxidant trace mineral.

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, vitamins C and E. Whole grains, nuts and seeds on the other hand are a good source of antioxidant minerals such as selenium, zinc and manganese.

I've read that selenium is good for the immune system? Is this true?

Yes, it would appear that the function of various components of the immune system are compromised in those who have selenium deficiency. Additional supplementation with this trace mineral has been shown to have an immunostimulant effect even in 'selenium-replete' individuals. Research indicates that a selenium deficient host may allow a special strain of virus to mutate and possibly produce more virulent strains of viruses, which may then be passed on.

Provided the dosage instructions on the Selenium-ACE pack are adhered to, this product is suitable for long-term daily use.
 

Is it true that selenium is required for the thyroid?

The trace element selenium is required for iodothyronine deiodinases, a group of enzymes involved with the conversion of the thyroid hormone into its active form.
Those on thyroid medication or suffering from a thyroid disorder should consult their doctor prior to taking any food supplements. 

I read Selenium-ACE may have a part to play in protecting against UV radiation damage. How does it work and when is the best time to start taking the product?

During a 28-day trial in France, in which the effect of UV radiation on the skin was carefully monitored before and after a 28-day course of Selenium-ACE, it was found that skin redness and free radical activity were reduced in those who took the food supplement. It would appear that it is best to start taking a course of Selenium-ACE approximately 1-2 months prior to going on holiday in the sun.

We also offer a Selenium-ACE cream, providing antioxidant nutrients for topical application to the skin.

I heard that selenium has a part to play in psoriasis?

According to Dr.Roddie McKenzie, Edinburgh University, taking a selenium supplement whilst undergoing UV treatment, often recommended to psoriasis sufferers, may help to protect the skin from the undesirable effects of UV radiation.

My mother takes Selenium-ACE and says it helps her joints, is it true?

Yes, we have many customer testimonials on file describing the benefits that they have obtained in terms of joint mobility when taking Selenium-ACE. The underlying mechanism of this effect is not yet fully understood but antioxidants help maintain a healthy immune system, which is important in helping to reduce inflammation. Research involving sufferers of Rheumatoid arthritis indicates that they have lower selenium status, but it is not known why exactly this is so.

What is the difference between organic and inorganic selenium?

The trace element selenium is found in the soil in the inorganic form, such as selenium selenite for example. Once this form of selenium has been incorporated into plant or animal proteins it is classed as organic selenium. Organic forms of selenium include selenomethionine, selenocysteine or high selenium yeast, compounds which more closely resemble the form of this mineral as found in food. It is for this reason that organic selenium products are often recommended for health maintenance.

How much selenium can I safely take on a daily basis and can I take it long-term?

We recommend that the daily intake of selenium from all food supplement sources should stay around the 200 microgram limit by those who are self-supplementing. Provided this daily intake level is not exceeded, it should be acceptable to take a selenium supplement on a long-term basis.

Selenium is required only in minute amounts. The government recommendation for selenium is 60 micrograms for adult women and 75 micrograms for adult men. However, it is currently estimated that the average daily intake in the UK for this mineral from dietary sources may be as low as 30-40 micrograms per day.

The daily intake of selenium from all sources in UK adult males should not exceed 450 micrograms, according to UK government recommendations. Taking more than 750 micrograms of selenium daily on a long term basis may cause disturbed selenium homeostasis. The first signs of selenium toxicity may include hair loss, changes to finger and toe nails and a garlicky odour on the breath.

By contrast a severe selenium deficiency may cause Keshan Disease a condition which affects the heart muscle or Kashin-Beck Disease which affects the joints.
1 microgram = 1 millionth of a gram (also denoted as µg)
 

Why have you combined the trace mineral selenium with vitamins A, C and E?

Vitamin E and selenium work together in the body. Vitamin C helps to regenerate vitamin E so that the action of this vitamin is prolonged. Vitamin A is required for healthy immunity and mucous membranes, the latter, one of the body's first barriers to unwanted microbes entering the body.

Can I take Selenium-ACE if I am planning pregnancy, if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?

Whilst all ingredients found in Selenium-ACE 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 Selenium-ACE with a vitamin and mineral supplement?

Provided the combined daily intake of selenium from food supplements stays near the 200 microgram limit it should not be a problem. (Selenium ACE contains 100 micrograms of selenium per tablet) It is also important with Selenium-ACE to ensure that vitamin A stays within safe limits, as it can be stored by the liver.

If you are taking other food supplements please always ensure that the daily maximum safety limit for all the active ingredients of the products are not exceeded. 

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

When is the best time to take Selenium-ACE?

We recommend that Selenium-ACE is taken either in the morning or last thing at night on an empty stomach. This enables selenium to be released and absorbed without any possible interference from other nutrients.

The selenium in our tablets is in the yeast form, which acts as a food substance. Anyone who cannot tolerate taking tablets on an empty stomach should take Selenium-ACE with a meal.

Are there any side-effects with Selenium-ACE?

Selenium-ACE 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 if necessary a doctor consulted to rule out any other cause for the symptoms.

I have a sensitivity to yeast can I still take Selenium-ACE?

The selenium in Selenium-ACE 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 Selenium-ACE suitable for vegetarians?

Technically no, as the vitamin A and beta-carotene component contains a tiny amount of gelatine, which acts as a carrier substance.

I am allergic to gluten, can I take Selenium-ACE?

Selenium-ACE is completely gluten-free and is suitable for coeliacs.

I am allergic to dairy products, can I still take Selenium-ACE?

Selenium-ACE 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.