What is O2B Selenium Plus used for?
O2B Selenium Plus is designed to support normal thyroid hormone metabolism, immune function, antioxidant defence, normal DNA production, collagen formation and cellular wellbeing.
Each capsule combines selenium as selenomethionine with vitamin C as ascorbic acid.
How much selenium is in each capsule?
Each capsule provides 100mcg of selenium as selenomethionine.
How much vitamin C is in each capsule?
Each capsule provides 275mg of vitamin C as ascorbic acid.
What is selenium?
Selenium is an essential trace mineral. The body uses it to make selenoproteins involved in antioxidant protection, thyroid hormone metabolism, immune function and other normal cellular processes.
What is selenomethionine?
Selenomethionine is an organic form of selenium in which selenium is incorporated into the amino acid methionine. Organic forms such as selenomethionine are efficiently absorbed.
Why does thyroid function need selenium?
Selenium-dependent enzymes help regulate thyroid hormones, including the conversion of T4 into the more active T3 form.
Selenium Plus should support normal thyroid function only. It does not diagnose or treat a thyroid condition and should not replace thyroid medication.
Why is vitamin C included?
Vitamin C supports normal immune function and antioxidant activity. It is also required for collagen formation and helps the body absorb non-haem iron from plant foods.
How many capsules should I take?
Adults take one capsule daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
How long does one bottle last?
A bottle contains 90 capsules and lasts approximately 90 days when taking one capsule daily.
Does everyone in New Zealand need a selenium supplement?
No. Many people can obtain selenium through food.
However, the selenium content of foods can vary according to the food source and local soil selenium concentrations. Supplementation may be appropriate for some people, but it should not be assumed that every New Zealander is deficient.
Which foods contain selenium?
Food sources include:
- Seafood
- Meat and poultry
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Grain and cereal products
- Brazil nuts
The amount in plant-based foods can vary according to soil conditions.
Can I take Selenium Plus with a multivitamin?
Check the multivitamin label first. Many multivitamin and multimineral formulas already contain selenium.
Combining products without checking the total amount may lead to unnecessary or excessive intake.
Can I take Selenium Plus with a thyroid-support supplement?
Only after checking the other product’s selenium content. Thyroid-support formulas may contain selenium, iodine or both.
If you have a diagnosed thyroid condition or take thyroid medication, consult your healthcare professional before combining supplements.
Can I eat Brazil nuts while taking Selenium Plus?
Brazil nuts can contain very high and highly variable amounts of selenium.
Occasionally eating them may fit into a balanced diet, but regularly eating several Brazil nuts while also taking a selenium supplement can substantially increase total selenium intake.
Can too much selenium be harmful?
Yes. Excessive selenium intake can cause selenium toxicity, also called selenosis.
Possible signs include:
- Metallic taste
- Garlic-like breath
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Hair loss
- Brittle hair or nails
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Neurological symptoms
Follow the product directions and avoid stacking several selenium-containing products.
Does Selenium Plus increase energy?
Selenium is involved in normal thyroid hormone metabolism, but it is not a stimulant and should not be marketed as producing an immediate energy boost.
Ongoing fatigue has many possible causes and should be assessed rather than assumed to reflect low selenium.
Does Selenium Plus prevent colds or other infections?
No supplement can guarantee that you will not become unwell.
Selenium and vitamin C contribute to normal immune function, but Selenium Plus should not be presented as preventing, treating or curing infections.
Does vitamin C support collagen formation?
Yes. Vitamin C is required for normal collagen biosynthesis. Collagen is an important structural protein in skin, cartilage, blood vessels and other connective tissues.
Does vitamin C help with iron absorption?
Yes. Vitamin C improves the absorption of non-haem iron, the form of iron found in plant-based foods.
Can I take Selenium Plus during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Consult your midwife, doctor, pharmacist or dietitian before use. Selenium and vitamin C needs change during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and other prenatal products may already contain these nutrients.
Can children take Selenium Plus?
The supplied dose is for adults. Do not give this product to a child unless a qualified healthcare professional has recommended an appropriate dose.
Can I take Selenium Plus with prescription medication?
Consult your healthcare professional or pharmacist before combining the product with prescription medicine, particularly if you are receiving thyroid treatment, cancer treatment or treatment for a kidney or liver condition.
What is the difference between Selenium Plus and a multivitamin?
Selenium Plus is a targeted formula providing selenium and vitamin C.
A multivitamin contains a wider range of vitamins and minerals, usually at different amounts. You should choose according to your overall diet and needs and avoid unnecessarily doubling up nutrients.
