Selenium-Xtra

Key Points and Benefits 

• It is reported the average person in the UK is not getting enough selenium due to low levels in our food. A good way of increasing selenium intake is by daily supplementation.
• Selenium-Xtra contains selenium yeast, which is the natural source found in food.
• Selenium is an antioxidant mineral that protects the cells and tissues from damage by free radicals.
• Sulforaphane is part of the antioxidant group called isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, which has been shown to support certain liver enzyme functions.
• Selenium-Xtra contains a specific synergistic combination of nutrients selected for their researched health benefits.
• Convenient one-a-day formula.

Why Selenium-Xtra ?

• New formulation, new name for Selene-Activ synergistic antioxidant formula to help optimise the immune system and maintain body cell integrity.

•Selenium-Xtra contains 200mcg of selenium. Studies continue to build on the body of evidence that adequate selenium levels not only help maintain cell integrity but also help maintain a healthy immune system, heart health and the reproductive system.

•New studies reveal the benefits of the selected, synergistic, additional ingredients. Selenium-Xtra also contains 20mg alpha lipoic acid together with vitamins C and E. In view of research studies we have introduced zinc and broccoli extract (sulforaphane). (One-a-day tablets.)

•Selenium-Xtra is a highly effective antioxidant product. Studies continue to build on the body of evidence that adequate selenium levels not only help maintain cell integrity but also help maintain a healthy immune system, heart health and the reproductive system. New studies also reveal the benefits of the selected, synergistic, additional ingredients.

What is selenium?

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in human nutrition. It was not until 1973 that the importance of selenium in a nutritional role was ascertained. Human studies around the world continue to show the key role that it plays in maintaining long-term health.

Selenium can only be obtained through dietary intake. A healthy diet should form the basis of good nutrition. However, leading a busy life often makes eating regular, nutritionally balanced meals difficult.

Recent reports have revealed that selenium levels in the average person in the UK are only marginally adequate. This is largely because of a reduction in the amount of selenium we get from our food. This is believed to be due to a decrease in the use of North American wheat (which is high in selenium) for bread making. As a result, in the UK the daily intake of selenium from the food we eat has declined from 60-63µg per day in the 1970s and 1980s, to an estimated 29-39µg per day (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 1997). This amount compares unfavourably with guidelines, known as the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI), of 75µg per day for men and 60µg per day for women (Report by Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy, 1991).

Over the past few years an increasing number of the population have begun to obtain selenium from nutritional supplements. There are a number of selenium options available and it appears that selenium enriched yeast is highly beneficial.

Main constituents and their nutritional roles

Selenium

• Selenium is an essential trace mineral which enters the food chain through plants and plays an important role in many functions in the body.
• Selenium can be found in liver, kidney, oily fish, Brazil nuts, whole wheat cereals and mushrooms.
• Selenium is also one of a group of nutrients referred to as an "antioxidant". This is because it helps protect cells and tissues from damage by "oxidants", especially "free radicals". Free radicals are volatile, potentially toxic substances produced when we breathe and through exposure to sunlight, radiation, exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke and other pollutants. A diet high in saturated fats also produces more free radicals.
• Antioxidant nutrients are able to quench free radicals before they can damage cells or tissues. The more free radicals present, the greater the need for antioxidant nutrients in our diet.

Vitamins C and E

• Like selenium, vitamins C and E are required for good health and are antioxidants.
• Vitamin E's main antioxidant function is the protection of fats from oxidation. This vitamin also works in synergy with selenium.
• Vitamin C is a water soluble antioxidant, which also works with vitamin E in protecting cells against free radicals. In addition it is required for collagen production which is needed for the integrity of all the body's tissues.

Zinc

• Zinc is required for immune function and antioxidant cell protection.
• Zinc, like vitamin C, may help with the effects of the common cold.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

• Alpha lipoic acid is a vitamin-like substance with antioxidant properties. It can be produced in the body, but levels may decline with age.
• It helps vitamins C and E maintain their activity.

Sulforaphane

• Sulforaphane is part of the antioxidant group called isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, which has been shown to support certain liver enzyme functions.
• It works synergistically with selenium.

What is important about the organic selenium yeast used by Wassen?

Selenomethionine is the major component of selenium yeast. It is the natural source found in most foods. Yeast converts inorganic selenium mainly into selenomethionine using the same pathway as foods such as cereals. Inorganic forms of selenium are not natural substances in any food. The selenium that we consume from food sources is mainly the organic form.

A large number of successful human studies have been conducted using supplemental selenium yeast or higher levels of selenium intake from the diet. Long term studies have also shown this form of selenium to be safe within the parameters of upper intake levels.

Who would take Selenium-Xtra?

Every adult in the UK in view of the fact that selenium soil levels in most parts of this country are low. In particular:

• Those who wish to help maintain body cell integrity and a healthy immune system.
• Older people, especially those who wish to maintain healthy joints.
• Sports people, as higher energy requirements may increase the need for antioxidant protection.
• Those who wish to maintain the health of their skin.
• Those concerned about infections.

RDA = Recommended Daily Allowance - mg = milligram - µg = microgram - i.u. = International Units †USL = Upper Safe Level for daily supplementation as recommended by the Health Food Manufacturers Association (2003).
^The Food Standards Agency Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals have proposed 350µg selenium as the upper safe level for long term supplementation for an adult of 60 kg bodyweight.

your questions answered on this product

Suitable for vegetarians. Dairy free. Gluten - trace amount <50ppm

Directions for Adults One tablet to be swallowed (with liquid if required) after food. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. A regular intake is recommended. If pregnant or breast feeding medical advice should be sought before taking this product.

Availability Wassen Selenium-Xtra is available from Boots, Superdrug, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, independent pharmacies and health food stores. If you cannot find the product you want on the retailer's shelf we have larger quantities available by mail order.