Mineral

Selenium

Selenium requires 55 mcg daily for adult women and 55 mcg for men. The tolerable upper intake level is 400 mcg. It works best alongside Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols).

Last reviewed: 2026-09-20Reviewed by: StackingRight clinical reviewPrimary source

What Selenium does

Incorporated into selenoproteins including glutathione peroxidase and thyroid deiodinases.

How much you need

Reference intakes for Selenium in adults
MeasureAdult maleAdult female
Recommended intake55 mcg55 mcg
Upper intake level400 mcg
Typical supplement dose100-200 mcg

Interactions involving Selenium

1 sourced rule
Interaction rules involving Selenium
PairSeverityMechanismAction
Selenium × Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)SynergySelenium is the catalytic centre of glutathione peroxidase, which regenerates oxidised vitamin E. Each depends on the other for full antioxidant recycling.Take selenium and vitamin E together; a common ratio is 100-200 mcg selenium to 200-400 IU vitamin E.Source

Questions people ask about Selenium

Sources