What is Selenium?
Selenium is a trace mineral that is part of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase.
What it does for skin
The Nutritional Prevention of Cancer trial gave 200 mcg a day of selenium (as selenium yeast) to 1,312 US adults with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer, for about 4.5 years on average. It did not reduce recurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
What the research shows
In a secondary analysis of the same trial, men who took selenium had a 49% lower risk of prostate cancer than those who took placebo, over a mean follow-up of about 7.5 years.
Forms, amounts and limits
The NIH recommended amount is 55 mcg a day for adults.
The NIH tolerable upper limit is 400 mcg a day for adults.
Safety
Too much selenium causes selenosis. The NIH fact sheet says early indicators of excess intake are a garlic odour on the breath and a metallic taste in the mouth.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medicines.
Questions
Should I take selenium for skin?
The NIH sources do not show a skin benefit from supplements. The trial of 200 mcg a day did not reduce skin-cancer recurrence.
Sources
General information, not medical advice. Vanu Health does not sell this supplement. Read our terms.