What is Selenium?

Selenium is a trace mineral playing a vital role in various aspects of our health. It acts as an antioxidant, protecting our cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also supports our immune system, helps with thyroid function, and contributes to the production of DNA and other important processes in the body.

Although many people are aware of the importance of vitamins like C and D, selenium often goes unnoticed. It’s not commonly talked about, but it is crucial for maintaining optimal health. If you’re interested in the significance of selenium, and how to ensure you’re getting enough, consider having a conversation with a licensed health professional at your local pharmacy. The team at your community pharmacy have been trained to provide valuable insights into the importance of various vitamins and minerals, and how to incorporate them into your daily routine.

Where can I find selenium?

Realistically, you should be able to get all the selenium you need through a balanced diet. You don’t need much, and you can find it in brazil nuts, seafood including tuna, shrimp and salmon, eggs, whole grains and legumes. By integrating these foods into your meals, you can be confident that you’re getting enough selenium on a daily basis.

That said, if you’re concerned about meeting your selenium requirements through diet alone, you might find comfort in supplementation. Your local pharmacy is the most convenient place to find selenium supplements and speak to a professional about the appropriate dosage for your specific needs, and how and when to take the supplements to maximise their benefits.

Should I be taking selenium?

Figuring out whether or not you should take selenium supplements really depends on various factors, including your diet, health status and specific nutritional needs. It’s always a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, and your local pharmacy is the perfect place to pop in for a conversation without needing to make an appointment. Your community pharmacy team have been trained to provide you with guidance and professional advice with regards to vitamins and supplements, and they’ll be able to steer you towards the most appropriate solution for your needs.

Selenium supplements may be particularly beneficial for people who have certain health conditions that put them at risk of selenium deficiency. If you have a gastrointestinal disorder that affects the way you absorb nutrients, or have food allergies that restrict your diet and stop you from enjoying the usual sources of selenium, or if you live in a region with selenium deficient soil - you might require supplements.

Speak to your knowledgeable pharmacy team for personalised advice based on your specific circumstances, which can help you make an informed decision about whether or not you’d like to pursue selenium supplementation.

Will selenium interact with my medication?

It’s always important to consider any potential interactions with supplementation and the medications you take regularly. If you take anticoagulants or thyroid medications, these can interact with selenium supplements which can lead to adverse effects, or stop your medication from doing what it’s meant to do.

Before purchasing selenium supplements, talk to your pharmacist about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and other supplements. Your pharmacist is trained to assess any potential interactions, and will provide appropriate to make sure you’re safe and optimising the benefits of any supplements you take.

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For a healthy body all year round, check out your nearest chemist and have a chat with a friendly pharmacist to get to grips with the vitamins and minerals your body needs to work at full capacity on a daily basis.