Selenium (also selenium) is an essential trace element. In animal and vegetable products it occurs in both organic form (selenomethionine or selenocysteine) and inorganic form (selenite or selenate). The organic forms are absorbed one and a half to two times better by the body than the inorganic forms. A low selenium intake is common in the Netherlands, including among vegetarians. This product contains 200 µg selenium in the form of L-selenomethionine, which in its L-form is suitable as a source of the trace element selenium.

How selenium works in the body
Selenium is an important antioxidant. Certain enzymes (seleno-enzymes), such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), are dependent on selenium and play an important role in removing free radicals. In this way, selenium contributes to protection against oxidative damage. In addition, selenium supports the immune system by contributing to the production of certain white blood cells (defense cells). Selenium is also necessary for normal functioning of the thyroid gland because it is involved in regulating thyroid hormones. Among other things, it contributes to the conversion of inactive thyroid hormone (namely thyroxine, which consists of the amino acid tyrosine linked to four iodine atoms, or T4), into the active form (tri-iodothyronine, or T3).

Permitted health claims:

• protects cells against oxidative damage
• supports the immune system
• is also necessary for normal production of thyroid hormone and normal functioning of the thyroid gland
• contributes to male fertility
• good for hair and nails

Anti-caking agent (rice fibre), vegetable capsule (pullulan, from fermented cassava starch), L-selenomethionine.