Selenium

Identification

Summary

Selenium is an ingredient found in a variety of supplements and vitamins.

Brand Names

Nicomide

Generic Name

Selenium

DrugBank Accession Number

DB11135

Background

Selenium is a trace metal in the human body particularly important as a component of glutathione peroxidase, an important enzyme in the prevention of cellular damage by free radicals and reactive oxygen species ^Label

Type

Small Molecule

Groups

Approved, Investigational, Vet approved

Structure

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MOLSDFPDBSMILESInChI

Similar Structures

Structure for Selenium (DB11135)

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Weight

Average: 78.96
Monoisotopic: 79.916521828

Chemical Formula

Se

Synonyms

• Selen
• Selenio
• Sélénium
• Selenium elemental
• Selenium metallicum
• Selenium, elemental

External IDs

• 231-957-4
• C.I. 77805
• CI 77805

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Pharmacology

Indication

For the supplementation of total parenteral nutrition to prevent hyposelenemia ^Label.

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Associated Therapies

• Nutritional supplementation

Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings

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Pharmacodynamics

Selenium is incorporated into many different selenoproteins which serve various functions throughout the body ¹.

Mechanism of action

Selenium is first metabolized to selenophosphate and selenocysteine. Selenium incorporation is genetically encoded through the RNA sequence UGA ¹. This sequence is recognized by RNA ste loop structures called selenocysteine inserting sequences (SECIS). These structures require the binding of SECIS binding proteins (SBP-2) to recognize selenocystiene. The specialized tRNA is first bound to a serine residue which is then enzymatically processed to a selylcysteyl-tRNA by selenocystiene sythase using selenophosphate as a selenium donor. Other unidentified proteins are required as part of the binding of this tRNA to the ribosome. Selenoproteins appear to be necessary for life as mice with the specialized tRNA gene knocked out exhibited early embryonic lethality ².

The most important selenoproteins seem to be the glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases which are part of the body's defenses againts reactive oxygen species (ROS) ¹. The importance of selenium in these anti-oxidant proteins has been implicated in the reduction of atherosclerosis by preventing the oxidation of low density lipoprotein ^{7 3}. Selenium supplementation is also being investigated in the prevention of cancer and has been suggested to be beneficial to immune function ^{7 4 5}.

Absorption

Oral bioavailability of 90% when given as L-selenomethionine ⁸. Tmax of 9.17h.

Volume of distribution

Not Available

Protein binding

Not Available

Metabolism

Selenium supplements are typically available in the form of sodium selenite which is metabolized to selenide through either glutathione conjugation and subsequent reduction by glutathione reductase enzymes or reduction by thioredoxin reductases ¹. Selenide is further metabolized to selenocystein by cysteine synthases and to selenophosphate by selenophosphate synthases. Selenide is also metabolized progressively to methyl-selenol, dimethyl selenide, then trimethylselenonium. Selenocysteine is degraded to methyl-selenol, pyruvate and ammonia by cysteine beta lyase. Selenocystein reacts with oxygen to form selenocysteine selenoxide which spontaneously degrades to methylselenic acid, pyruvate and ammonia. Methylselenic acid can be converted to methylselenol via conjugation with thiol groups on proteins like glutathione.

Route of elimination

Mainly excreted in urine as 1beta-methylseleno-N-acetyl-d-galactosamine and trimethylselenonium ⁶. The amount excreted as 1beta-methylseleno-N-acetyl-d-galactosamine plateaus at doses around 2microg after which the amount excreted as trimethylselenonium increases. Some selenium is also excreted in feces when given orally ⁸.

Half-life

Half life was observed to increase with chronic dosing time ⁸. For day 1-2 half life was 1.7 days. For day 2-3 half life was 3 days. For day 3-14 half life was 11.1 days.

Clearance

Not Available

Adverse Effects

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Toxicity

Oral LD50 of 6700mg/kg in rats ^MSDS. Selenium exposure is teratogenic and can result in fetal death as tested in mice. Chronic toxicity is characterized by hair loss, white horizontal streaking on fingernails, paronchyia, fatigue, irritability, hyperreflexia, nausea, vomiting, garlic odor on breath, and metallic taste ^Label. Serum selenium correlates weakly with symtoms. Blood chemistry as well as liver and kidney function are normally unnaffected. Acute toxicity presents as stupor, respiratory depression, and hypotension. ST elevations and t-wave changes characteristic of myocardial infarction may be observed.

Pathways

Not Available

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Not Available

Interactions

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This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.

• Approved
• Vet approved
• Nutraceutical
• Illicit
• Withdrawn
• Investigational
• Experimental
• All Drugs

Drug	Interaction
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Abacavir	Abacavir may decrease the excretion rate of Selenium which could result in a higher serum level.
Aceclofenac	Aceclofenac may decrease the excretion rate of Selenium which could result in a higher serum level.
Acemetacin	Acemetacin may decrease the excretion rate of Selenium which could result in a higher serum level.
Acetaminophen	Acetaminophen may decrease the excretion rate of Selenium which could result in a higher serum level.
Acetazolamide	Acetazolamide may increase the excretion rate of Selenium which could result in a lower serum level and potentially a reduction in efficacy.

Food Interactions

No interactions found.

Products

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International/Other Brands

B-Traxim Se / Selsaf 2000

Brand Name Prescription Products

Name	Dosage	Strength	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End	Region	Image
Selenious Acid	Injection, solution	60 ug/1mL	Intravenous	AMERICAN REGENT, INC.	2019-07-01	Not applicable
Selenious Acid	Injection, solution	6 ug/1mL	Intravenous	AMERICAN REGENT, INC.	2022-03-28	Not applicable
Selenious Acid	Injection, solution	40 ug/1mL	Intravenous	Woodward Pharma Services Llc	2022-03-15	Not applicable

Over the Counter Products

Name	Dosage	Strength	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End	Region	Image
Bio Selenium Tab 50mcg	Tablet	50 mcg / tab	Oral	SantÉ Naturelle (Ag) LtÉe	1988-12-31	2001-07-06
Davinci Selenium Tab 50mcg	Tablet	50 mcg / tab	Oral	Foodscience Laboratories, Division Of Foodscience Corporation	1988-12-31	1997-05-08
Gnc Selenium 50mcg Tablet	Tablet	50 mcg	Oral	General Nutrition Canada Inc.	1997-04-18	2005-08-05
SELENASE® 50 MICROGRAMS/ML - ORAL SOLUTION	Solution		Oral	IMEKS PHARMA SDN. BHD.	2020-09-08	Not applicable
Selenium	Capsule	200 mcg / cap	Oral	Wampole Brands, A Division Of Pangeo Pharma (Canada) Inc.	2000-01-21	2002-07-29

Mixture Products

Name	Ingredients	Dosage	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End	Region	Image
24 Multivitamins + Minerals	Selenium (20 mcg) + Ascorbic acid (150 mg) + Beta carotene (10000 unit) + Biotin (25 mcg) + Calcium (130 mg) + Cholecalciferol (400 unit) + Choline bitartrate (25 mg) + Chromium (20 mcg) + Copper (1 mg) + Cyanocobalamin (25 mcg) + Ferrous fumarate (15 mg) + Folic acid (.8 mg) + Inositol (25 mg) + Magnesium (65 mg) + Manganese (2 mg) + Molybdenum (20 mcg) + Niacin (25 mg) + Calcium pantothenate (25 mg) + Potassium (15 mg) + Potassium Iodide (.1 mg) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (25 mg) + Racemethionine (25 mg) + Riboflavin (25 mg) + Thiamine hydrochloride (25 mg) + Vanadium (20 mcg) + Vitamin A palmitate (5000 unit) + Vitamin E (50 unit) + Zinc (10 mg)	Tablet	Oral	Stanley Pharmaceuticals, A Division Of Vita Health Products Inc.	1997-04-30	2002-07-31
50 Plus Multiple Vitamins & Minerals	Selenium (25 mcg) + Ascorbic acid (90 mg) + Biotin (45 mcg) + Calcium (200 mg) + Cholecalciferol (400 unit) + Chromium (10 mcg) + Copper (2 mg) + Cyanocobalamin (25 mcg) + Folic acid (0.4 mg) + Magnesium (100 mg) + Manganese (5 mg) + Molybdenum (25 mcg) + Nicotinamide (40 mg) + Pantothenic acid (10 mg) + Potassium Iodide (0.15 mg) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (3 mg) + Riboflavin (3.2 mg) + Thiamine mononitrate (2.25 mg) + Vanadium (10 mcg) + Vitamin A palmitate (6000 unit) + Zinc (15 mg)	Tablet	Oral	Gfr Pharma Ltd.	2002-10-20	2004-06-15
A.C.E.S. Capsules	Selenium (.025 mg / cap) + Ascorbic acid (250 mg / cap) + Beta carotene (10000 unit / cap) + Vitamin E (400 unit / cap)	Capsule	Oral	Bioforce Canada Inc.	1994-12-31	1997-04-04
A.R.T.H. Away Formula	Selenium (1.54 mcg) + Calcium (24 mg) + Cholecalciferol (45 unit) + Copper (0.232 mg) + Folic acid (0.025 mg) + Manganese (0.58 mg) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (0.5 mg) + Zinc (0.63 mg)	Capsule	Oral	Abundance Naturally Ltd	1999-02-01	2006-06-16
A/o-26 - Caplet	Selenium (100 mcg) + Beta carotene (7500 unit) + Calcium (75 mg) + Calcium ascorbate (250 mg) + Copper (1 mg) + DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate (100 unit) + Folic acid (.4 mg) + Manganese (2.5 mg) + Racemethionine (50 mg) + Zinc (7.5 mg)	Tablet	Oral	Enviro Tech International Canada	1996-12-19	1999-07-26

Unapproved/Other Products

Name	Ingredients	Dosage	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End	Region	Image
Folet DHA	Selenium (65 ug/1) + Ascorbic acid (120 mg/1) + Beta carotene (2700 [iU]/1) + Cholecalciferol (400 [iU]/1) + Cyanocobalamin (12 ug/1) + D-alpha-Tocopherol acetate (18 [iU]/1) + Doconexent (350 mg/1) + Docusate sodium (50 mg/1) + Ferrous bisglycinate (38 mg/1) + Folic acid (1 mg/1) + Magnesium oxide (30 mg/1) + Nicotinamide (20 mg/1) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (40 mg/1) + Riboflavin (3.4 mg/1) + Thiamine hydrochloride (3 mg/1) + Zinc glycinate (10 mg/1)	Capsule, liquid filled; Kit; Tablet	Oral	Pronova Corporation	2014-08-28	2017-03-15
Foliflex	Selenium (30 ug/1) + Ascorbic acid (250 mg/1) + Biotin (100 ug/1) + Boron (25 ug/1) + Calcium carbonate (75 mg/1) + Cholecalciferol (13.75 ug/1) + Chromium nicotinate (37.5 ug/1) + Cupric oxide (1 mg/1) + Cyanocobalamin (13 ug/1) + DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate (45 mg/1) + Ferrous fumarate (9 mg/1) + Folic acid (500 ug/1) + Magnesium oxide (37.5 mg/1) + Manganese sulfate (0.75 mg/1) + Molybdenum (25 ug/1) + Nicotinamide (22.5 mg/1) + Pantothenic acid (15 mg/1) + Potassium Iodide (25 ug/1) + Potassium chloride (24.5 mg/1) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (6 mg/1) + Riboflavin (3.35 mg/1) + Thiamine mononitrate (3.25 mg/1) + Vitamin A acetate (1500 ug/1) + Zinc oxide (15 mg/1)	Tablet	Oral	PureTek Corporation	2021-10-25	Not applicable
Folitin-Z	Selenium (30 ug/1) + Ascorbic acid (250 mg/1) + Biotin (100 ug/1) + Boron (25 ug/1) + Calcium carbonate (75 mg/1) + Cholecalciferol (13.75 ug/1) + Chromium nicotinate (37.5 ug/1) + Cupric oxide (1 mg/1) + Cyanocobalamin (13 ug/1) + DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate (45 mg/1) + Ferrous fumarate (9 mg/1) + Folic acid (500 ug/1) + Magnesium oxide (37.5 mg/1) + Manganese sulfate (0.75 mg/1) + Molybdenum (25 ug/1) + Nicotinamide (22.5 mg/1) + Pantothenic acid (15 mg/1) + Potassium Iodide (25 ug/1) + Potassium chloride (24.5 mg/1) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (6 mg/1) + Riboflavin (3.35 mg/1) + Thiamine mononitrate (3.25 mg/1) + Vitamin A acetate (1500 ug/1) + Zinc oxide (15 mg/1)	Tablet	Oral	PureTek Corporation	2021-02-11	Not applicable
Keylosa	Selenium (55 ug/1) + Ascorbic acid (120 mg/1) + Calcium carbonate (200 mg/1) + Cholecalciferol (20 ug/1) + Chromium (35 ug/1) + Cyanocobalamin (8 ug/1) + Ferrous fumarate (27 mg/1) + Folic acid (1000 ug/1) + Magnesium oxide (200 mg/1) + Manganese sulfate (23 mg/1) + Molybdenum (45 ug/1) + Nicotinamide (20 mg/1) + Pyridoxine (20 mg/1) + Riboflavin (3.4 mg/1) + Thiamine mononitrate (3 mg/1) + Vitamin A (1500 ug/1) + Vitamin E (30 mg/1) + Zinc oxide (25 mg/1)	Capsule, coated	Oral	Novian Pharmaceuticals	2023-10-06	Not applicable
Multitam	Selenium (55 ug/1) + Ascorbic acid (120 mg/1) + Calcium carbonate (200 mg/1) + Cholecalciferol (20 ug/1) + Chromium nicotinate (35 ug/1) + Cyanocobalamin (8 ug/1) + DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate (30 mg/1) + Folic acid (1000 ug/1) + Magnesium oxide (200 mg/1) + Manganese sulfate (2.3 mg/1) + Molybdenum (45 ug/1) + Nicotinamide (20 mg/1) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (20 mg/1) + Riboflavin (3.4 mg/1) + Thiamine mononitrate (3 mg/1) + Vitamin A acetate (1500 ug/1) + Zinc oxide (25 mg/1)	Tablet	Oral	PureTek Corporation	2022-01-17	Not applicable

Categories

Drug Categories

• Alimentary Tract and Metabolism
• Antioxidants
• Biological Factors
• Chalcogens
• Compounds used in a research, industrial, or household setting
• Diet, Food, and Nutrition
• Drugs that are Mainly Renally Excreted
• Elements
• Food
• Micronutrients
• Mineral Supplements
• Minerals
• Physiological Phenomena
• Polyvalent cation containing laxatives, antacids, oral supplements
• Protective Agents
• Selenium Compounds
• Trace Elements

Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire

Description

This compound belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as homogeneous other non-metal compounds. These are inorganic non-metallic compounds in which the largest atom belongs to the class of 'other non-metals'.

Kingdom

Inorganic compounds

Super Class

Homogeneous non-metal compounds

Class

Homogeneous other non-metal compounds

Sub Class

Not Available

Direct Parent

Homogeneous other non-metal compounds

Alternative Parents

Not Available

Substituents

Homogeneous other non metal

Molecular Framework

Not Available

External Descriptors

nonmetal atom, chalcogen (CHEBI:27568)

Affected organisms

Not Available

Chemical Identifiers

UNII

H6241UJ22B

CAS number

7782-49-2

InChI Key

BUGBHKTXTAQXES-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI

InChI=1S/Se

IUPAC Name

selenium

SMILES

[Se]

References

General References

1. Ganther HE: Selenium metabolism, selenoproteins and mechanisms of cancer prevention: complexities with thioredoxin reductase. Carcinogenesis. 1999 Sep;20(9):1657-66. [Article]
2. Brenneisen P, Steinbrenner H, Sies H: Selenium, oxidative stress, and health aspects. Mol Aspects Med. 2005 Aug-Oct;26(4-5):256-67. [Article]
3. Zhang H, Luo Y, Zhang W, He Y, Dai S, Zhang R, Huang Y, Bernatchez P, Giordano FJ, Shadel G, Sessa WC, Min W: Endothelial-specific expression of mitochondrial thioredoxin improves endothelial cell function and reduces atherosclerotic lesions. Am J Pathol. 2007 Mar;170(3):1108-20. [Article]
4. Broome CS, McArdle F, Kyle JA, Andrews F, Lowe NM, Hart CA, Arthur JR, Jackson MJ: An increase in selenium intake improves immune function and poliovirus handling in adults with marginal selenium status. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Jul;80(1):154-62. [Article]
5. Lippman SM, Goodman PJ, Klein EA, Parnes HL, Thompson IM Jr, Kristal AR, Santella RM, Probstfield JL, Moinpour CM, Albanes D, Taylor PR, Minasian LM, Hoque A, Thomas SM, Crowley JJ, Gaziano JM, Stanford JL, Cook ED, Fleshner NE, Lieber MM, Walther PJ, Khuri FR, Karp DD, Schwartz GG, Ford LG, Coltman CA Jr: Designing the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). J Natl Cancer Inst. 2005 Jan 19;97(2):94-102. [Article]
6. Suzuki KT, Kurasaki K, Okazaki N, Ogra Y: Selenosugar and trimethylselenonium among urinary Se metabolites: dose- and age-related changes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2005 Aug 1;206(1):1-8. Epub 2004 Dec 8. [Article]
7. Tinggi U: Selenium: its role as antioxidant in human health. Environ Health Prev Med. 2008 Mar;13(2):102-8. doi: 10.1007/s12199-007-0019-4. Epub 2008 Feb 28. [Article]
8. Bugel S, Larsen EH, Sloth JJ, Flytlie K, Overvad K, Steenberg LC, Moesgaard S: Absorption, excretion, and retention of selenium from a high selenium yeast in men with a high intake of selenium. Food Nutr Res. 2008;52. doi: 10.3402/fnr.v52i0.1642. Epub 2008 Feb 12. [Article]

External Links

KEGG Compound

C01529

PubChem Compound

6326970

PubChem Substance

347827913

ChemSpider

4885617

RxNav

9641

ChEBI

27568

Wikipedia

Selenium

FDA label

Download (150 KB)

MSDS

Download (110 KB)

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials Learn More" title="About Clinical Trials" id="clinical-trials-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">

Phase	Status	Purpose	Conditions	Count
4	Completed	Prevention	Anti Oxidative Stress / End Stage Renal Disease, Requiring Dialysis	1
4	Completed	Prevention	Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) / Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)	1
4	Completed	Prevention	Kidney Stones	1
4	Completed	Treatment	Peripartum Cardiomyopathy	1
4	Completed	Treatment	Statin Therapy	1

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers

Not Available

Packagers

Not Available

Dosage Forms

Form	Route	Strength
Injection, solution, concentrate	Intravenous
Tablet, film coated	Oral
Tablet, extended release	Oral
Capsule, liquid filled; kit; tablet	Oral
Tablet, delayed release	Oral
Tablet	Oral
Tablet	Oral	50 mcg
Powder	Oral
Capsule, gelatin coated	Oral
Liquid	Oral
Solution	Intravenous
Tablet	Oral
Capsule	Oral
Tablet, effervescent	Oral
Solution	Parenteral	40.000 mcg
Solution	Intravenous; Oral	200 µg/5ml
Injection, solution	Intravenous
Solution	Oral
Injection, solution	Intravenous	40 ug/1mL
Injection, solution	Intravenous	6 ug/1mL
Injection, solution	Intravenous	60 ug/1mL
Capsule	Oral	200 mcg / cap
Capsule	Oral	100 mcg / cap
Tablet	Oral	200 mcg
Capsule	Oral
Tablet	Oral	50 mcg / tab
Tablet, extended release	Oral	50 mcg / tab
Tablet	Oral	200 mcg / tab
Tablet	Oral	100 mcg
Capsule	Oral	200 mcg
Injection, solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	100 MCG
Injection, solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	500 MCG
Solution	Oral	100 MCG
Solution	Oral	500 MCG
Tablet, coated	Oral
Capsule, liquid filled	Oral
Powder, for solution	Oral
Capsule, coated	Oral
Kit	Oral
Tablet	Oral	60 mcg

Prices

Not Available

Patents

Not Available

Properties

State

Solid

Experimental Properties

Property	Value	Source
melting point (°C)	217	MSDS
boiling point (°C)	684.9	MSDS
water solubility	Insoluble	MSDS
logP	5	MSDS

Predicted Properties

Property	Value	Source
logP	0.15	Chemaxon
Physiological Charge	0	Chemaxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count	1	Chemaxon
Hydrogen Donor Count	0	Chemaxon
Polar Surface Area	0 Å2	Chemaxon
Rotatable Bond Count	0	Chemaxon
Refractivity	13.11 m3·mol-1	Chemaxon
Polarizability	1.78 Å3	Chemaxon
Number of Rings	0	Chemaxon
Bioavailability	1	Chemaxon
Rule of Five	Yes	Chemaxon
Ghose Filter	No	Chemaxon
Veber's Rule	Yes	Chemaxon
MDDR-like Rule	No	Chemaxon

Predicted ADMET Features

Not Available

Spectra

Mass Spec (NIST)

Not Available

Spectra

Not Available

Chromatographic Properties

Collision Cross Sections (CCS)

Adduct	CCS Value (Å2)	Source type	Source
[M-H]-	110.812	predicted	DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+H]+	112.57921	predicted	DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+Na]+	119.39906	predicted	DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)

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Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:51 / Updated at February 20, 2024 23:55