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The Best Selenium Supplements for Overall Health and Wellness
Written By Omair Khaliq Sultan
Selenium is a nutrient that is found naturally in a wide variety of the foods we eat. It supports a number of bodily functions such as reproduction and thyroid gland function, to name a couple. While selenium deficiency is not common among adults in the US, there is emerging evidence and research that it can be worth adding a supplement to your routine if you’re dealing with a weak immune system (you get sick often), thyroid issues, or if you’re pregnant.
What’s more, supplementing with selenium can contribute to a general sense of well-being over time, particularly if your diet lacks geographical diversity in its sources. We reviewed the best selenium supplements to help you make a smart selection and chose the Nutricost Selenium Capsules as our top pick for their natural, premium chelated selenium formula. If you’re interested in exploring other options, we have a few more recommendations below.
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Our Favorite Selenium Supplements of 2025
Nutricost Selenium Supplement
Best Overall
Known for its clean and affordable supplements, Nutricost delivers them again with its selenium offering. These capsules have a premium chelated form of selenium derived from natural rice flour, ensuring high quality and easy absorption. Each capsule provides 200mcg of this essential mineral, and the product is manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, guaranteeing GMO-free ingredients and third-party testing for safety. Plus, the capsules are conveniently sized for easy swallowing. This combination of quality, affordability, and ease of use makes Nutricost our pick for the best overall selenium supplement.
Key Features
| Dose in 1 serving/capsule | 200mcg |
| Capsules per container | 240/container (3 containers) |
| Contains gluten | No |
| Contains GMOs | No |
| Suitable for vegetarians | Yes |
Bronson Selenium Supplement
Odor and Flavor-Free
This selenium for this supplement by Bronson is sourced from the premier manufacturer of chelated minerals, Albion, ensuring you get a high-quality product that’s easy to absorb. The capsules are flavorless, odroless, and easy to swallow, while the formulation contains 0 traces of soy, gluten, yeast, or GMOs.
Overall, this is another solid offering that does what it says on the tin, and is useful for people who need to up their selenium levels but are extra sensitive to odors or flavors that may be found with regular pills.
Key Features
| Dose in 1 serving/capsule | 200mcg |
| Capsules per container | 250 |
| Contains gluten | No |
| Contains GMOs | No |
| Suitable for vegetarians | Yes |
Purely Holistic Selenium Supplement
Easy to Digest
This supplement utilizes a unique form of selenium bonded to the amino acid methionine. This creates L-selenomethionine, which is easier for your body to digest and absorb compared to selenate and selenite forms of selenium. L-selenomethionine is also considered a safer option because, unlike some other forms, it does not release inorganic selenium into your body. This form also translates to easier digestion and absorption, ensuring you primarily experience the intended health benefits.
It’s also worth noting that a year’s worth of servings are available in a single container at a fairly competitive price.
Key features
| Dose in 1 serving/capsule | 200mcg |
| Capsules per container | 365 |
| Contains gluten | No |
| Contains GMOs | No |
| Suitable for vegetarians | Yes |
Now Foods Selenium Supplement
Great For Allergies
This selenium supplement offers a high-quality dose of this essential mineral in the easy-to-absorb L-selenomethionine form. Ideal for those with dietary restrictions, these yeast-free, vegan, and vegetarian capsules are manufactured in a GMP facility following strict quality standards. Now Foods also guarantees that you won’t find any unwanted additions to your supplements, such as artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, sulfites, or pesticides.
Key Features
| Dose in 1 serving/capsule | 200mcg |
| Capsules per container | 180 |
| Contains gluten | No |
| Contains GMOs | Not specified |
| Suitable for vegetarians | Yes |
Pure Encapsulations Selenium Supplement
Premium Option
Last but definitely not least on our list, this option has a pure formulation containing selenomethionine, a highly bioavailable form of selenium. It’s also hypoallergenic, meaning it omits unnecessary additives that can trigger allergies or digestive issues – perfect for those with sensitivities. While the price point might be higher than others on this list, fans of the brand and its quality standards rave about its effectiveness. If you’ve had trouble with other selenium supplements, Pure Encapsulations could be well worth the investment.
Key Features
| Dose in 1 serving/capsule | 200mcg |
| Capsules per container | 60 |
| Contains gluten | No |
| Contains GMOs | No |
| Suitable for vegetarians | Yes |
Buying Guide: Selenium Supplements
The variety of selenium supplements on the market can get overwhelming pretty fast. When searching for a supplement to give your body what it needs, you need to understand some basic factors. We’ve done the research on your behalf to make sure you can make an informed purchase according to your needs.
Key Considerations for Selenium Supplements
Below are a few things to consider before you purchase a selenium supplement:
Selenium types
You’ll come across a few different forms of selenium when shopping around, and while the differences may seem inconsequential, the type of selenium present has an effect on absorption and potential side effects. Common types include:
- L-Selenomethionine: Highly bioavailable and considered safe due to its natural occurrence in food.
- Selenium Glycinate: Another well-absorbed form, often chosen for its gentleness on the stomach.
- Sodium Selenate & Selenite: Less expensive options but may have lower absorption rates and potentially higher risks of side effects at high doses.
If you’re unsure/generally don’t play too well with supplements of any kind, please consult your doctor before making a decision.
Organic vs. inorganic
The manufacture of selenium supplements may be organic or inorganic. Although both forms are beneficial, organic supplements are more effective because the body can more readily absorb them and reap the benefits. Inorganic forms, on the other hand, are rapidly processed and excreted from the body. So, choose a supplement formulated using natural, organic ingredients since the impact of an organic selenium supplement can be felt for a long time, making the investment worth it.
Third-party testing
Skipping third-party-tested supplements means you effectively turn yourself into a test subject, risking unknown ingredients, missing out on advertised benefits, and potentially experiencing unexpected side effects. It’s never a bad idea to spend a bit more money and choose brands that get their products verified by reputable organizations like ConsumerLab, NSF International, or USP (United States Pharmacopeia). These third-party testers evaluate the product’s formulation for accuracy and safety, ensuring you get what the label promises. Look for their seals of approval on the product label for peace of mind.
Daily amount
The amount of selenium needed must be determined individually, as factors like age, sex, and health issues will affect the required dosage.
Odor
Selenium naturally has a distinct, unpleasant smell. While this might seem like a negligible issue, it may cause problems for those who have a sensitive sense of smell. Some products mask this odor more efficiently than others. If you’re often triggered by the odor, you should consider an odorless selenium supplement.
Tips for Consuming Selenium Supplements
Selenium is an essential mineral for the human body and should not be treated like a multivitamin that you can take whenever you want. Here are some tips to follow when adding it to your diet:
- Always take selenium according to the manufacturer’s directions and the recommended daily amount ideally determined by a doctor.
- Consider the selenium supplement as a component of your daily routine, which you ingest at a particular time each day.
- The supplement may upset your stomach, so take it with food.
- Get your hair, nail, or urine tested before you decide on a selenium supplement.
- If you experience side effects like nausea or discomfort, you should seek medical advice.
Additional Benefits of Supplementing Selenium
We’ve already touched on some of the main benefits of selenium, but there are also additional health benefits such as:
Managing asthma symptoms
shows that selenium may be helpful for those dealing with severe asthma symptoms, as asthmatic people seem to have lower levels of selenium present in their blood than non-asthmatics.
Cognitive function
Emerging research suggests that selenium’s antioxidant properties can prevent chronic oxidative stress within the brain, which is responsible for reduced cognitive function and mood disorders.
Selenium FAQs
Does selenium have any side effects?
Generally, selenium supplements are safe to consume. Certain parts of the US (such as the Dakotas) already have a relatively high concentration of selenium present in locally sourced food, so if you’re already consuming plenty of selenium in your diet, taking a supplement may cause some problems like selenium toxicity. Taking significantly more selenium than your requirements may lead to breathing difficulties, nervous system problems, tremors, and diarrhea. It’s always wise to seek medical advice before taking any supplement, and the same is true for selenium.
How do I know if I have a selenium deficiency?
Fatigue and muscle weakness are telltale signs, as selenium is important for energy production. A weakened immune system due to low selenium levels can leave you more susceptible to infections. Hair loss, dry skin, and brittle nails might also point to a deficiency, as selenium is essential for healthy hair and skin. Some studies even suggest a link between low selenium and mental fog, impacting concentration and memory. If you suspect a deficiency, consulting a doctor is vital. They can assess your selenium levels and recommend appropriate treatment.
What type of selenium should I look for in a supplement?
L-Selenomethionine and Selenium Glycinate are generally good options as they have high bioavailability with a lower chance of unwanted side effects.
How often should I take a selenium supplement?
Most manufacturers recommend taking a selenium supplement once a day, but it's a good idea to consult with your doctor just to be safe, especially if you're dealing with severe health problems.
Is selenium safe to take while pregnant?
There is some research to suggest that selenium can be beneficial to take during pregnancy and can have an overall positive effect on both infants and mothers. Definitely talk to your OBGYN before making any changes to your diet while pregnant or breastfeeding.
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