{"id":169771,"date":"2025-03-14T11:14:12","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T10:14:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/purovitalis.com\/?p=169771"},"modified":"2025-10-28T14:47:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T13:47:36","slug":"selenium-gezondheid-voordelen-longevity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nl\/selenium-health-benefits-longevity\/","title":{"rendered":"Selenium \u2013 voordelen, gebruik, bijwerkingen en dosering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selenium might not be a mineral you think about often, but it\u2019s incredibly important for your health and longevity. But what exactly is selenium, and what is selenium good for? Selenium is found naturally in various foods or as a <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nutrition\/\">selenium supplement<\/a> &#8211; this mineral helps your body fight damage caused by harmful environmental substances and stress. Knowing what selenium does for your body and keeping the right levels can really boost your overall health and longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-selenium-benefits\">What are selenium benefits?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are plenty of selenium benefits, especially thanks to its strong antioxidant properties that protect your cells from damage and inflammation. Maintaining healthy selenium levels supports overall well-being and contributes to long-term health. A recent systematic review from 2025 highlights the importance of optimal selenium levels for maintaining good health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-selenium-good-for\">What is selenium good for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selenium plays several important roles in your body. People commonly use selenium supplements to address deficiencies, support thyroid health, and enhance their immune system. Additionally, selenium protects your cells from harmful damage, helps produce DNA, and can even help your body fight off infections. Knowing these benefits makes it easier to understand why getting the right amount of selenium is important for your overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-selenium-can-help-thyroid-health\">How selenium can help thyroid health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selenium supports <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/thyroid-health-and-longevity-the-checklist\/\">thyroid health<\/a> by helping your body convert thyroid hormones from inactive forms (T4) to active forms (T3), which is vital because active thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy levels, and overall body functions. A study in Clinical Endocrinology found that selenium supplementation significantly improved symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, leading to inflammation and impaired function[<a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/jcem\/article-abstract\/87\/4\/1687\/2374966?login=false\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">1<\/a>]. A regular intake of selenium might lower your risk of thyroid-related problems.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might also find this blog intersting: <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/quercetin-and-thyroid-side-effects-the-checklist\/\">Quercetin and thyroid side effects \u2013 the checklist<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cognitive-support\">Cognitive support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthy selenium levels play an important role in brain health by protecting neurons from oxidative stress, a key factor in cognitive decline. As we age, maintaining optimal selenium intake may help support memory, focus, and overall brain function. Research published in <em>Neuroepidemiology<\/em> suggests that having enough selenium in your diet could contribute to better cognitive health and may even reduce the risk of age-related decline [<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11037017\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-selenium-helps-boost-immune-system\">Selenium helps boost immune system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selenium boosts your immune system by improving how well your immune cells function. Its antioxidant properties protect these cells from damage, helping your body better fight infections. A review in Nutrients highlights that selenium deficiency might weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illnesses [<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3723386\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">3<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-selenium-dosage\">Selenium dosage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing how much selenium you should take can help you achieve optimal health benefits without risking side effects. Here\u2019s a simple breakdown of daily recommended selenium dosages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Age Group<\/th><th>Recommended Daily Dosage (from food and supplements)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Birth to 6 months<\/td><td>15 mcg*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>7\u201312 months<\/td><td>20 mcg*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1\u20133 years<\/td><td>20 mcg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4\u20138 years<\/td><td>30 mcg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>9\u201313 years<\/td><td>40 mcg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>14\u201318 years<\/td><td>55 mcg (general), 60 mcg (pregnant), 70 mcg (breastfeeding)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>19\u201350 years<\/td><td>55 mcg (general), 60 mcg (pregnant), 70 mcg (breastfeeding)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>51+ years<\/td><td>55 mcg<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">*Adequate Intake (AI). <br><em>Source: Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Selenium \u2013 Health Professional Fact Sheet. Updated April 15, 2024. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/Selenium-HealthProfessional\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/Selenium-HealthProfessional\/<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the signs of selenium deficiency?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A deficiency in selenium can lead to various health problems. Some common signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Weakened immune function<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hair loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cognitive decline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Severe deficiencies may contribute to thyroid dysfunction and an increased risk of heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-selenium-side-effects\">Selenium side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While selenium is beneficial, too much of it can also  lead to negative effects. High selenium levels may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and brittle nails. In extreme cases, excessive intake can lead to selenosis, a condition affecting the nervous system. The risks of taking selenium also include a possible increased likelihood of diabetes, heart disease, or digestive issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finding the right balance when taking selenium is key\u2014both too little and too much can be harmful. The right amount helps support immunity, brain health, and thyroid function, but exceeding the recommended dosages can have serious consequences. To stay on the safe side, monitor your intake and consult a healthcare professional before taking selenium supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-foods-have-selenium\">What foods have selenium?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What foods contain selenium? Many everyday foods are great sources of selenium, including brazil nuts, seafood, meat, cereals, dairy products, and eggs. The amount of selenium varies depending on where and how these foods are grown. For a detailed overview, check out our full article on selenium foods: <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/selenium-food-for-your-everyday-diet\/\">Selenium food for your everyday diet<\/a>.<br><br>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/longevity-nutrition-diet-guide\/\">The complete guide to nutrition for longevity \u2013 foods, diets, and more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-selenium-and-longevity\">Selenium and longevity <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selenium plays a key role in overall health, but could it also influence how long we live? Studies suggest a connection between selenium levels and <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/understanding-longevity\/\">longevity<\/a>, particularly due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Swedish study from 2023\u00a0 found that supplementing with selenium and coenzyme Q10 significantly reduced cardiovascular mortality over a 12-year period. Participants taking these supplements had improved heart function, fewer hospitalizations, and overall better quality of life [<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37443807\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">4<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another study conducted in China found that regions with selenium-rich soil tend to have populations with longer lifespans, suggesting a link between dietary selenium intake and longevity [<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29748794\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">5<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, the EVA study in France showed that low selenium levels in older adults were associated with higher mortality, further highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate selenium intake as we age [<a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/clinchem\/article-abstract\/51\/11\/2117\/5629638?redirectedFrom=fulltext&amp;login=false\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">6<\/a>].<br><br>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/what-does-longevity-mean\/\">What Does Longevity Mean? Staying Healthy at Old Age<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selenium is more important for health than many people realise. Beyond supporting immunity and thyroid function, it acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. It also plays a role in heart health, brain function, and longevity. While it\u2019s naturally found in foods like brazil nuts, seafood, and meat, supplementation can be beneficial for those with deficiencies. However, balance is key\u2014both too little and too much selenium can have negative effects. Maintaining the right intake can make a real difference in long-term health and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-references\">References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1. G\u00e4rtner, R., Gasnier, B. C. H., Dietrich, J. W., Krebs, B., &amp; Angstwurm, M. W. A. (2002). Selenium supplementation in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis decreases thyroid peroxidase antibodies concentrations. Clinical Endocrinology, 56(1), 63-70. <a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/jcem\/article-abstract\/87\/4\/1687\/2374966\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/jcem\/article-abstract\/87\/4\/1687\/2374966<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2. Berr, C., Balansard, B., Arnaud, J., Roussel, A. M., &amp; Alp\u00e9rovitch, A. (2000). Cognitive decline is associated with systemic oxidative stress: the EVA study. Neuroepidemiology, 19(1), 37-43. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11037017\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11037017\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3. Hoffmann, P. R., &amp; Berry, M. J. (2008). The influence of selenium on immune responses. Nutrients, 5(4), 1138-1148. <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3723386\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3723386\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4. Alehagen, U., Alexander, J., Aaseth, J. O., Larsson, A., Svensson, E., &amp; Opstad, T. B. (2023). Effects of an intervention with selenium and coenzyme Q10 on five selected age-related biomarkers in elderly Swedes low in selenium: Results that point to an anti-ageing effect\u2014A sub-analysis of a previous prospective double-blind placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial. <em>Cells, 12(13), 1773.<\/em> <a>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/cells12131773<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">5. Shao, Y., Cai, C., Zhang, H., Fu, W., Zhong, X., &amp; Tang, S. (2018). Controlling factors of soil selenium distribution in a watershed in Se-enriched and longevity region of South China. <em>Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 25<\/em>(20), 20048-20056. <a>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11356-018-2091-2<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">6. Akbaraly, N. T., Arnaud, J., Hininger-Favier, I., Gourlet, V., Roussel, A.-M., &amp; Berr, C. (2005). Selenium and mortality in the elderly: Results from the EVA study. <em>Clinical Chemistry, 51(11)<\/em>, 2117\u20132123. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1373\/clinchem.2005.055301\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1373\/clinchem.2005.055301<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Selenium might not be a mineral you think about often, but it\u2019s incredibly important for your health and longevity. But what exactly is selenium, and what is selenium good for? Selenium is found naturally in various foods or as a selenium supplement &#8211; this mineral helps your body fight damage caused by harmful environmental substances [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":170630,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"bwfblock_default_font":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[67,321,287,299,301,303,66,286],"tags":[248,273],"class_list":["post-169771","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nutrition","category-brain-health","category-diet-nutrition","category-health-goal-guides","category-healthy-aging-health-goal-guides","category-immune-allergy-support","category-lifestyle","category-supplement-guides","tag-collagen","tag-selenium"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/169771","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=169771"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/169771\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":291640,"href":"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/169771\/revisions\/291640"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/170630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=169771"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=169771"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.purovitalis.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=169771"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}