Selenium For Fertility – 8 Things You Need To Know

There are a few essential things you need to know about selenium for fertility. Countless women around the world struggle with infertility which is a condition where you cannot conceive after one year of trying. There could be many reasons that cause infertility that range from endometriosis to things like age, uterine fibroids, issues with sperm count, or thyroid disease. Selenium is a vital component that affects various bodily functions, including metabolism of your thyroid hormones. Here’s everything you need to know about selenium and how it affects fertility.

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Selenium For Fertility

Various studies have shown that a selenium deficiency can influence sperm count, sperm quality, metabolism of thyroid hormones among other things that can lead to infertility.

What Is Selenium?

Selenium is a vital mineral that is responsible for various bodily processes.  It is an important component of different proteins and enzymes, referred to as selenoproteins that produce DNA and protect your body against infections and cell damage.  The proteins impact metabolism of hormones in the thyroid and reproduction. You only need a small amount of it which can be obtained from eating certain foods.

A large portion of selenium is found in your muscle tissue, however, the largest concentration is found in the thyroid gland because of different selenoproteins that promote thyroid function.  In some cases, individuals have a deficiency, which means they should focus on eating more of these foods or take a supplement to boost their daily intake.

How Selenium Boosts Female Fertility

Selenium excess or deficiency is linked to infertility due to poorly developed, small, or inadequately functioning gonads, mainly spermatozoa and testes in men and ovarian follicles in women. A part of this issue is related to implantation failure because of altered uterine function and unsatisfactory embryonic development. Selenium deficiency or excess can also lead to reduced libido, and pregnancy-related issues like fetal growth restriction, miscarriage, preterm birth, or pre-eclampsia.

The most significant health advantage of selenium is supporting your immune system because this vital trace mineral acts in the same way as vitamin E, providing antioxidant benefits. A broad-ranging study scrutinised the impact of various dietary antioxidants that play a role on fertility. This list involved selenium in conjunction with vitamin E, folic acid, and zinc. As far as selenium for fertility is concerned, males are most researched. However, a remarkable amount of evidence suggests that selenium can also benefit women trying to conceive. When it comes to female reproductive health, the largest impact appears to be less about the ability to fall pregnant but rather gestational health.

Full-Term Pregnancy

Many studies showed the link between selenium deficiency and the risk of miscarriages. In one study blood samples were compared between women who had a miscarriage versus women who reached full-term pregnancy. Scientists revealed that while a small decline in selenium levels during the first trimester is normal, women who had a miscarriage generally showed a significant decrease in selenium levels which directly relates to the end result.

A Higher Risk Of Pre-Eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy affects up to six percent of women. It is generally characterized by high blood pressure levels which often cause headaches, interrupted vision, and swollen feet. There is presently no known cure for pre-eclampsia apart from inducing preterm birth. Free radicals play a significant role in pre-eclampsia. Studies showing cases of pre-eclampsia revealed that umbilical cord blood contained lower selenium levels compared to women who experienced normal pregnancies.

Birth Weight

Selenium can affect birth weight in babies. In one study involving thousands of pregnancies, it was found that a selenium deficiency in the early stages of pregnancy has been a consistent predictor of low birth weight in newborns.

The Role Of Selenium In Male Fertility

Selenium is complexly linked to male reproductive health. While a large portion of selenium is present in skeletal muscles, this vital mineral is also contained in the most significant density of the kidneys, liver and testes. Therefore, it is not surprising the vital role it plays in reproductive health and fertility. It is widely known that healthy levels of selenium influence male fertility, because it is important for testosterone production and sperm generation. A selenium deficiency means the sperm is unable to move properly since selenium is quintessential for generating strong sperm whiplash tails. Research also suggests that the antioxidant properties of selenium can result in more fertile sperm.

Recommended Dosage Of Selenium When Trying To Conceive

Selenium can encourage healthy follicles in the female ovaries which is important for developing and releasing the eggs. The antioxidant content in selenium can help protect against miscarriage and birth defects as a result of DNA damage. Women who want to conceive must not exceed 400 mg of selenium per day.

Selenium During Pregnancy

The recommended dietary allowance for men and women between the ages of 19 and 55 is 55 micrograms per day. Women who are expecting and lactating need around 60 and 70 micrograms per day respectively.

Ways To Increase Selenium Naturally

There are ways to boost selenium levels daily. A whole-food rich diet containing the following foods can help.

• Brazil nuts
• Whole Wheat bread
• Mushrooms
• Seeds
• Seafood – especially halibut, tuna, oysters, mackerel, and swordfish
• Whole grains like rye
• Red meat
• Poultry

Whole foods are the most valuable sources of selenium, however, the selenium content in foods depends on the soil conditions. In some cases, selenium might also be destroyed during processing. If your diet doesn’t contain regular intake of foods like poultry, meat, or fish it can contribute to a selenium deficiency. Vegans and vegetarians have an increased risk.

You can boost your selenium levels by taking supplements, just be mindful about the recommended daily dietary intake, as an excess of selenium can adversely impact your health.

What Happens If You Have Too Much Selenium?

It is essential to know that an excess of selenium can impact your health negatively (selenosis). Typical signs of selenium toxicity include skin rash, nausea, hair loss, fatigue, bad breath, mood changes, fever, and diarrhea. It can also potentially result in heart and kidney issues, although this is only caused by incredibly high selenium levels that reach a “poisoning” status.

Selenium Supplements

Here is a list of selenium supplements to boost fertility, health, and wellness.

Bronson Selenium

Bronson Selenium 200 mcg is a high-quality dietary supplement that provides essential trace mineral support for the immune system, thyroid, and metabolism. This yeast-free chelated amino acid complex is designed for superior absorption and contains 250 vegetarian capsules per bottle.

Features

• 200 mcg of selenium per capsule
• Yeast-free chelated amino acid complex
• Superior absorption
• Non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free

Benefits

• Supports a healthy immune system
• Promotes thyroid and metabolism function
• Provides essential trace minerals for overall health and wellness
• High-quality ingredients for superior absorption and effectiveness

Solgar Yeast-Free Selenium Supplement

Solgar Yeast-Free Selenium Supplement provides a high-quality source of selenium, an essential mineral that supports antioxidant and immune system health. This supplement contains L-selenomethionine, a highly bioavailable form of selenium that is easily absorbed by the body. With 250 tablets per bottle, this supplement provides long-lasting support for overall health and well-being.

Features:

• Provides 200 mcg of selenium per tablet
• Contains L-selenomethionine, a highly bioavailable form of selenium
• Non-GMO, vegan, kosher, and free of: gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, yeast, sugar, sodium, artificial flavor, sweetener, preservatives, and colour
• 250 tablets per bottle for long-lasting support

Benefits:

• Supports antioxidant and immune system health
• Helps maintain healthy thyroid function
• May support cardiovascular health
• Easy-to-swallow tablets for convenient daily use
• Free of common allergens and additives for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

Global Healing Selenium 200mcg

Global Healing Selenium is a powerful antioxidant supplement that supports thyroid and immune system health. Made with organic ingredients, this non-GMO and gluten-free supplement contains 200 mcg of selenium per capsule, which is essential for maintaining healthy thyroid function and supporting the immune system. Selenium is also important for cardiovascular health and can help protect against oxidative stress.

Features:

• Organic ingredients
• Non-GMO and gluten-free
• 200 mcg of selenium per capsule
• Supports thyroid and immune system health
• Powerful antioxidant
• Supports cardiovascular health

Benefits

• Helps maintain healthy thyroid function
• Supports immune system health
• Protects against oxidative stress
• Supports cardiovascular health
• Made with organic ingredients and free from harmful additives
• Suitable for vegans and vegetarians

Cautionary Warning

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your physician before taking this product
• Do not exceed the recommended dosage

Final Thoughts

We hope that you have found our post about selenium for fertility and eight things you need to know about this vital mineral insightful. Selenium directly impacts thyroid function which plays an essential role in fertility. Always consult your physician before taking any new supplements or products that could potentially have a negative impact on your health, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding.