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Dietary supplement

Selenium Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by BioCare

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

Selenium is a dietary supplement by BioCare 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 Selenium by BioCare

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.

BioCare Selenium is a single-ingredient supplement containing selenium in the form of L-selenomethionine, which is the amino acid form of selenium your body can absorb readily. The capsule itself is made from inactive ingredients including cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate—these are fillers and binders that hold the capsule 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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune system function and antioxidant support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Selenium deficiency, Autoimmune thyroiditis, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Thyroid cancer, HIV/AIDS — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Selenium is rated "Likely Effective" for Selenium deficiency (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Selenium is rated "Possibly Effective" for Autoimmune thyroiditis.
  • Also on file: Selenium is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Sepsis.

The evidence for selenium varies by condition. It's likely effective for selenium deficiency itself.

For Kashin-Beck disease (a joint and bone disorder tied to low selenium), autoimmune thyroiditis (immune attack on the thyroid), and pre-eclampsia in pregnancy, the research suggests it may be possibly effective, though the evidence isn't conclusive. For dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipids), the available data suggests it's possibly ineffective.

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 at normal dietary amounts and in recommended supplement doses is generally well tolerated. At doses within the tolerable upper limit of 400 mcg daily, side effects in trials are usually mild—gastric discomfort, headache, and rash.

However, excess selenium is toxic and can cause hair loss (alopecia), dermatitis, fatigue, nail changes, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. High doses carry a serious risk: chronic exposure has led in rare cases to multi-organ failure and death.

Long-term high-dose use has also been linked to increased risk of squamous cell skin cancer in one large trial. Do not exceed recommended doses unless your doctor advises it.

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.

Before taking this selenium supplement, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet medications (like warfarin, Coumadin, or aspirin)—there's a moderate risk of increased bleeding. Also flag it if you take barbiturates (sedatives), immunosuppressants, or oral contraceptives.

If you use niacin for cholesterol, let your provider know, as selenium may reduce its benefits.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Selenium supplement may be right for you if you have a documented selenium deficiency or your doctor recommends it for a specific condition. It's not a good fit if you take blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, barbiturates, or immune-suppressing medications without checking first.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you're on any prescription medication or have had high-dose supplement use before.

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 Apr 23, 2024.

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 Selenium, straight from the product label.

Brand BioCare
Barcode (UPC) 5033290181604
Net contents 60 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 23, 2024
DSLD ID 309762
Product type Mineral
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free
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 Selenium by BioCare, 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
60
UPC/BARCODE
5033290181604
IngredientAmount% DV
Selenium100 mcg182%

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, L-Selenomethionine, Silicon Dioxide, 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

Directions: 1 capsule taken daily with food, or as professionally directed.

Precautions

This product should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the stated recommended daily intake. Do not purchase if the seal is broken. If you are under medical supervision, please consult a doctor before use.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

Vegetarian & vegan

Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system & protects cells from oxidative stress.

Formula

Selenomethionine for immune & antioxidant support

FDA Statement of Identity

Food Supplement

General Statements

NRV = Nutrient reference value

See for yourself

Selenium by BioCare label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Selenium by BioCare

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 container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Selenium

Interacts with
321 drugs
100 mcg per serving

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: Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, L-Selenomethionine, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Selenium by BioCare Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 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 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 Selenium, from the product label.

BioCare

See all BioCare products
Name
UK - BioCare Ltd
Street Address
1 Hedera Road
State
Redditch
ZipCode
B98 9EY
Phone Number
+44 0121 433 3727
Web Address
www.biocare.co.uk
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Selenium by BioCare: Common Questions

Does Selenium by BioCare interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 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?
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 this selenium safe to take every day?
Yes, at normal recommended doses that stay below 400 mcg daily. The evidence shows it's generally well tolerated at those levels. But don't take high-dose selenium supplements without your doctor's guidance—excess selenium builds up in your body and can cause real harm, including hair loss, skin problems, and in rare cases very serious illness.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
The data on selenium in pregnancy is mixed—some research says it's possibly safe, and other evidence suggests it's possibly unsafe. You don't have enough clarity from the evidence we hold to make a call on your own. Talk it over with your doctor or midwife to decide what's right for you and your pregnancy.
What does selenium actually do in your body?
Selenium is a mineral your body needs to make selenoproteins, which act as antioxidants and support thyroid and immune function. The strongest evidence we have is that it prevents selenium deficiency itself. For other conditions like joint disease or thyroid autoimmunity, the research suggests it may help, but the evidence isn't as solid yet.
What are the side effects if I take too much?
At normal doses, you might get mild nausea, headache, or a rash. But high doses can cause hair loss, nail changes, skin problems, fatigue, and in extreme cases, liver damage and multi-organ failure. Chronic high-dose use has also been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer in one large study. That's why staying within the 400 mcg daily limit matters.
Does this work for high cholesterol?
The evidence suggests it doesn't—research rates it as possibly ineffective for dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipids). In fact, if you're taking niacin for cholesterol, selenium might actually reduce niacin's beneficial effects on HDL levels.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
The data says selenium is possibly safe during breastfeeding, but there isn't strong evidence either way. Talk with your doctor or lactation specialist to confirm it's okay for your situation.

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

Not sure if Selenium is safe with your meds?

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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.

Selenium label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

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

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