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SupplementScience

Types of Selenium: Forms & Bioavailability

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
SelenomethionineHigh (90%+)General supplementation — best absorbed and retained in body tissues
Selenium YeastHighFood-form selenium — contains multiple selenocompounds similar to dietary selenium
Sodium SeleniteModerateInorganic form — used in many multivitamins but lower retention than organic forms

Selenomethionine

Bioavailability: High (90%+). Best for: General supplementation — best absorbed and retained in body tissues.

Selenium Yeast

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Food-form selenium — contains multiple selenocompounds similar to dietary selenium.

Sodium Selenite

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Inorganic form — used in many multivitamins but lower retention than organic forms.

References

  1. (). Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancers: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). JAMA. DOI
  2. (). Selenium supplementation significantly reduces thyroid autoantibody levels in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Thyroid. DOI
  3. (). Brazil nuts: an effective way to improve selenium status. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI