What is the Best Form of Selenium for Supplements?

Why was this study done?

Selenium is considered an important mineral for health maintenance and possibly for the prevention of certain cancers. There are geographic areas of the world where this mineral is deficient and the necessity of supplementation becomes important. This study was designed to assess differing forms of selenium (sodium selenite versus selenomethionine) for absorption.

What did the study find?

This study found that the selenomethionine was better absorbed than the sodium selenite form.

Bioavailability of selenium to residents in a low-selenium area of China.
Luo XM, Wei HJ, Yang CL, Xing J, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 1985 Sep;42(3):439-48.
PubMed Citation PMID: 4036848.
PDF Manuscript: Am J Clin Nutr, 1985.