Selenomethionine contains 200 mcg of selenium bound to the amino acid methionine. It is a well-absorbed form of selenium. A significant body of research supports its benefit in numerous situations, including heavy metal detoxification, healthy thyroid function, and support for oncology patients.
Selenium is an important trace mineral and a constituent of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which is necessary for neutralizing the free radical, hydrogen peroxide, as well as other lipid peroxides (oxidized fats). Selenium's beneficial role is not limited to its antioxidant function; it is also necessary for conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 (thyroxine) to active T3 (triiodothyronine).
Selenium also appears to exert important positive effects on normal cell function and cell development.
Numerous epidemiological studies have found that maintaining normal serum selenium levels can be associated with support of normal cell function and differentiation, as well as healthy heart, connective tissue, eye, liver, and thyroid function. Selenium supplementation also may exert a protective effect against mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metal toxicities.
