Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Chelated Selenium Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NHC Natural Healthy Concepts

Capsule Category: Mineral
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Chelated Selenium is a dietary supplement by NHC Natural Healthy Concepts with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for thyroid health support, antioxidant support, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 321 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Selenium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chelated Selenium by NHC Natural Healthy Concepts

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: selenium, in a chelated form (bound to an amino acid for better absorption). Selenium is a mineral your body needs in small amounts for thyroid function, immune health, and antioxidant protection.

The capsules also contain inactive ingredients — a vegetable capsule shell, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate — to hold everything together.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Selenium's overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports Selenium for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Selenium deficiency — rated "Likely Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Pre-eclampsia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Autoimmune thyroiditis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Kashin-Beck disease — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

Selenium is likely effective for treating selenium deficiency, which is rare in the U.S. but can happen in certain regions or medical conditions. The evidence suggests it may help with Kashin-Beck disease (a joint condition linked to low selenium), pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy), and autoimmune thyroiditis (an immune attack on the thyroid).

For dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels), the evidence suggests it's not effective.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Selenium

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Selenium is generally well tolerated when you stay within the daily upper limit of 400 mcg. Common side effects at normal doses are mild — gastric discomfort, headache, or rash.

However, excess selenium is toxic and can cause hair loss, skin problems, fatigue, nail damage, nausea, and weight loss. Chronic high doses carry a small risk of serious effects including nerve damage (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk) and multi-organ failure.

Research also shows that selenium supplements don't prevent skin cancer and may actually increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Stay within recommended amounts unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Selenium

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Selenium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 321 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Double-check this product if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel), warfarin, immunosuppressants, barbiturates, birth control pills, or niacin. Moderate severity interactions exist with the first four and warfarin; Minor ones with the last two.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Selenium is useful if you have a documented deficiency, and it may help with certain thyroid or pregnancy-related conditions. If you take blood thinners, immunosuppressants, barbiturates, or warfarin, or if you use birth control pills or niacin, check with your pharmacist first.

Never take high-dose selenium without medical supervision — more is not better here.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 19, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Chelated Selenium, straight from the product label.

Brand NHC Natural Healthy Concepts
Barcode (UPC) 647732925388
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 19, 2021
DSLD ID 255980
Product type Mineral
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Chelated Selenium by NHC Natural Healthy Concepts, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
647732925388
IngredientAmount% DV
Selenium200 mcg364%

Other ingredients: natural Vegetable Capsules, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: 1 or more capsules per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Formulation

Formulated to be free of allergens derived from: gluten, corn, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.

Vcaps (vegetarian)

Precautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.

As with all dietary supplements, some individuals may not tolerate or may be allergic to the ingredients used. Please read the ingredients panel carefully prior to ingestion. Cease taking this product and consult your physician if you have negative reactions upon ingestion.

Keep out of reach of children.

This product was sealed for your protection. Do not use if outer logoed neck seal or inner-seal is missing or damaged.

Storage

Keep container tightly closed. Store at room temperature.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Professional use only

Seals/Symbols

Albion Human Nutrition Vcaps (vegetarian)

See for yourself

Chelated Selenium by NHC Natural Healthy Concepts label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chelated Selenium by NHC Natural Healthy Concepts

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Selenium

Interacts with
321 drugs
200 mcg per serving Form: Selenium Glycinate

Selenium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune health. Most people who...

Selenium monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Natural Vegetable Capsules, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Chelated Selenium by NHC Natural Healthy Concepts Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Chelated Selenium?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
321Drugs
288 Moderate 33 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Selenium 321

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Chelated Selenium with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Selenium6 drug types · 321 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research suggests that taking selenium 10 mcg/kg/day can increase bleeding times by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity. Other clinical research suggests that taking selenium 75 mcg daily, in combination with ascorbic acid 600 mg, alpha-tocopherol 300 mg, and beta-carotene 27 mg, reduces platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Barbiturates

Theoretically, selenium might prolong the sedating effects of barbiturates.
Laboratory research suggests that selenium can inhibit the hepatic metabolism of barbiturates. Selenium seems to prolong the sedative effect of pentobarbital in animal models.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggests that selenium may stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, selenium might interfere with warfarin activity.
Animal research suggests that selenium can increase warfarin activity. Selenium might interact with warfarin by displacing it from albumin binding sites, reducing its metabolism in the liver, or by decreasing production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Selenium can also prolong bleeding times in humans by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Contraceptive drugs might increase levels of selenium, although the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.
Some research suggests that oral contraceptives increase serum selenium levels in women taking oral contraceptives; however, other research shows no change in selenium levels. It is suggested that an increase could be due to increased carrier proteins, indicating a redistribution of selenium rather than a change in total body selenium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Selenium might reduce the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as selenium, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Chelated Selenium, from the product label.

NHC Natural Healthy Concepts

See all NHC Natural Healthy Concepts products
Name
NHC
Street Address
310 N Westhill Blvd.
City
Appleton
State
WI
ZipCode
54914
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chelated Selenium by NHC Natural Healthy Concepts: Common Questions

Does Chelated Selenium by NHC Natural Healthy Concepts interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Chelated Selenium has a known interaction with 321 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Chelated Selenium contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is selenium safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data is mixed. Selenium is rated possibly safe in pregnancy and possibly unsafe in pregnancy depending on the dose and situation — the evidence isn't clear-cut. For breastfeeding, it's rated possibly safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you and your baby, since this is an individual medical decision.
Can selenium prevent cancer?
Research shows selenium does not prevent basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) and may actually increase your risk of squamous cell carcinoma. It's not effective for cancer prevention, so don't take it for that reason.
What are the most common side effects?
At normal doses, the most common side effects are mild: stomach discomfort, headache, or a rash. If you take too much, you risk hair loss, skin problems, nausea, and other more serious effects.
How much selenium should I take?
The safe upper limit is 400 mcg daily. Amounts within normal dietary needs (around 55 mcg daily for adults) are fine, but avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor tells you to. If you have a deficiency, your doctor will tell you the right dose for your situation.
What is chelated selenium, and why is it chelated?
Chelated means the selenium is bound to an amino acid, which is thought to help your body absorb it better than plain selenium. The body may use amino acid-bound minerals more efficiently.
Can selenium help with thyroid problems?
Evidence suggests selenium may help with autoimmune thyroiditis (an immune attack on the thyroid). If you have a thyroid condition, talk with your doctor about whether selenium makes sense for you — it's not a replacement for thyroid medication.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Chelated Selenium is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Chelated Selenium label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Chelated Selenium’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Chelated Selenium's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 36 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Selenium 36 references
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
  2. Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
  3. Trafikowska U, Zachara BA, Wiacek M, et al. Selenium supply and glutathione peroxidase activity in breastfed Polish infants. Acta Paediatr 1996;85:1143-5. PubMed
  4. Duffield-Lillico AJ, Slate EH, Reid ME, et al. Selenium supplementation and secondary prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer in a randomized trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 2003;95:1477-81.. PubMed
  5. Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
  6. Schiavon R, Freeman GE, Guidi GC, et al. Selenium enhances prostacyclin production by cultured endothelial cells: possible explanation for increased bleeding times in volunteers taking selenium as a dietary supplement. Thromb Res 1984;34:389-96. PubMed
  7. Davila JC, Edds GT, Osuna O, Simpson CF. Modification of the effects of aflatoxin B1 and warfarin in young pigs given selenium. Am J Vet Res 1983;44:1877-83. DOI
  8. Heese HD, Lawrence MA, Dempster WS, Pocock F. Reference concentrations of serum selenium and manganese in healthy nulliparas. S Afr Med J 1988;73:163-5.
  9. Lloyd B, Lloyd RS, Clayton BE. Effect of smoking, alcohol and other factors on the selenium status of a healthy population. J Epidemiol Commun Health 1983;37:213-7. PubMed
  10. Capel ID, Jenner M, Williams DC, et al. The effect of prolonged oral contraceptive steroid use on erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity. J Steroid Biochem 1981;14:729-32. PubMed
  11. Contempre B, Dumont JE, Ngo B, et al. Effect of selenium supplementation in hypothyroid subjects of an iodine and selenium deficient area: the possible danger of indiscriminate supplementation of iodine-deficient subjects with selenium. J Clin Endocrinol PubMed
  12. Hofbauer LC, Spitzweg C, Magerstadt RA, Heufelder AE. Selenium-induced thyroid dysfunction. Postgrad Med J 1997;73:103-4. PubMed
  13. Debski B, Milner JA. Dietary selenium supplementation prolongs pentobarbital induced hypnosis. J Nutr Biochem 2004;15:548-53. PubMed
  14. Ishikawa M, Sasaki M, Koiwai K, et al. Inhibition of hepatic mixed-function oxidase enzymes in mice by acute and chronic treatment with selenium. J Pharmacobiodyn 1992;15:377-85. PubMed
  15. Lippmann SM, Klein EA, Goodman PJ, et al. Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancers: the selenium and vitamin E cancer prevention trial (SELECT). JAMA 2009;301:39-51. DOI
  16. Reid SM, Middleton P, Cossich MC, Crowther CA. Interventions for clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010;(7):CD007752. PubMed
  17. Vinceti, M., Wei, E. T., Malagoli, C., Bergomi, M., and Vivoli, G. Adverse health effects of selenium in humans. Rev.Environ.Health 2001;16(4):233-251. PubMed
  18. Abrams, C. K., Siram, S. M., Galsim, C., Johnson-Hamilton, H., Munford, F. L., and Mezghebe, H. Selenium deficiency in long-term total parenteral nutrition. Nutr Clin Pract 1992;7(4):175-178. PubMed
  19. Spiller, H. A. and Pfiefer, E. Two fatal cases of selenium toxicity. Forensic Sci Int 8-24-2007;171(1):67-72. PubMed
  20. Negro, R., Greco, G., Mangieri, T., Pezzarossa, A., Dazzi, D., and Hassan, H. The influence of selenium supplementation on postpartum thyroid status in pregnant women with thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies. J Clin Endocrinol.Metab 2007;92(4):1263-1268. PubMed
  21. Alexander, J. Selenium. Novartis.Found.Symp 2007;282:143-149.
  22. Salonen, J. T., Salonen, R., Seppanen, K., Rinta-Kiikka, S., Kuukka, M., Korpela, H., Alfthan, G., Kantola, M., and Schalch, W. Effects of antioxidant supplementation on platelet function: a randomized pair-matched, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial
  23. Kupka, R., Mugusi, F., Aboud, S., Msamanga, G. I., Finkelstein, J. L., Spiegelman, D., and Fawzi, W. W. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of selenium supplements among HIV-infected pregnant women in Tanzania: effects on maternal and chil
  24. Kamble, P., Mohsin, N., Jha, A., Date, A., Upadhaya, A., Mohammad, E., Khalil, M., Pakkyara, A., and Budruddin, M. Selenium intoxication with selenite broth resulting in acute renal failure and severe gastritis. Saudi.J Kidney Dis.Transpl. 2009;20(1):106
  25. Peretz, A., Neve, J., Desmedt, J., Duchateau, J., Dramaix, M., and Famaey, J. P. Lymphocyte response is enhanced by supplementation of elderly subjects with selenium-enriched yeast. Am.J Clin.Nutr. 1991;53(5):1323-1328. PubMed
  26. Kumpulainen, J., Salmenpera, L., Siimes, M. A., Koivistoinen, P., and Perheentupa, J. Selenium status of exclusively breast-fed infants as influenced by maternal organic or inorganic selenium supplementation. Am.J Clin.Nutr. 1985;42(5):829-835. PubMed
  27. Han, L. and Zhou, S. M. Selenium supplement in the prevention of pregnancy induced hypertension. Chin Med J (Engl) 1994;107(11):870-871.
  28. Kiremidjian-Schumacher, L., Roy, M., Wishe, H. I., Cohen, M. W., and Stotzky, G. Supplementation with selenium and human immune cell functions. II. Effect on cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 1994;41(1-2):115-127. PubMed
  29. Srivastava, A. K., Gupta, B. N., Bihari, V., and Gaur, J. S. Generalized hair loss and selenium exposure. Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 1995;37(5):468-469.
  30. Sudfeld CR, Aboud S, Kupka R, et al. Effect of selenium supplementation on HIV-1 RNA detection in breast milk of Tanzanian women. Nutrition 2014;30(9):1081-4. PubMed
  31. Rees K, Hartley L, Day C, et al. Selenium supplementation for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;1:CD009671. PubMed
  32. Thompson PA, Ashbeck EL, Roe DJ, et al. Selenium Supplementation for Prevention of Colorectal Adenomas and Risk of Associated Type 2 Diabetes. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2016;108(12). PubMed
  33. Wichman J, Winther KH, Bonnema SJ, Hegedüs L. Selenium supplementation significantly reduces thyroid autoantibody levels in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Thyroid 2016;26(12):1681-92. PubMed
  34. Vinceti M, Filippini T, Rothman KJ. Selenium exposure and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol. 2018 Sep;33(9):789-810. Epub 2018 Jul 5. Review. PubMed
  35. Fallah S, Sani FV, Firoozrai M. Effect of contraceptive pill on the selenium and zinc status of healthy subjects. Contraception. 2009;80(1):40-3. PubMed
  36. Malpas CB, Vivash L, Genc S, et al. A Phase IIa Randomized Control Trial of VEL015 (Sodium Selenate) in Mild-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;54(1):223-232. PubMed

See these in context on the Selenium monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring