Selenium is a trace element that is essential for human health. Since the human body does not produce selenium, it is obtained through diet. This substance is vital for reproduction, thyroid functioning, DNA synthesis, and defense against infections and oxidative stress that damage the body [**]. 

The richest sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, organ meats, and seafood. Most Americans get selenium from breads, grains, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs [**].

Selenium deficiency can negatively affect human health. It can increase risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and thyroid disease [*].  

Prolonged over consumption of selenium may also have adverse effects, hence it is necessary to be cautious when taking dietary supplements containing selenium. 

If you are taking any medication and/or have certain medical conditions, speak to a healthcare provider before taking selenium supplements. 

The recommended daily intake of selenium varies per individual based on sex and age, as well as pregnancy and lactation. To determine what is right for you, refer to this Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) issued by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences. 

There are many dietary supplements in the market that contain selenium as a single ingredient or part of a blend. Products containing selenium typically claim to support thyroid and immune health. 

The popularity of selenium has led to hundreds of brands flooding the marketplace; however not all supplements are created equal! Unfortunately, more than 90% of supplements in the market simply DON’T WORK!

We understand the challenges in finding the right supplement for your health needs. That’s why we gathered years of research and made this guide to help you find the top-rated formulas that work for you.

Things To Be Cautious About

Has your brand been third-party tested? You should never buy supplements that don’t have Certificate of Analysis. The studies should be conducted in labs that are not affiliated with the manufacturer. These labs verify the product for safety and potency.

Does your selenium contain cheap synthetic fillers? Some brands add artificial fillers to cut cost to offer cheap products. Some of these cheap fillers we found were titanium dioxide and artificial coloring. You should never purchase cheap products when it comes to supplements.

No return policy or customer service – A reputable supplement company will offer 100% money-back guarantee policy and provide customer support through phone number and email. We noticed many formulas out there are just copies of the top-rated brands. They don’t offer an easy refund policy or don’t even have a phone number to prove they are real.

Top 5 Selenium Supplements

The result: we reviewed over 100+ brands of Selenium Supplements in the market and complied a list of top 5 formulas based on effectiveness, safety, pricing, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction.

1. Thorne Selenomethionine

  • Shipping & Return Policy 100% 100%
  • Customer Service 98% 98%
  • Essential Ingredients 99% 99%
  • Effectiveness 98% 98%

Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

2. Country Life Selenium

  • Shipping & Return Policy 98% 98%
  • Customer Service 96% 96%
  • Essential Ingredients 95% 95%
  • Effectiveness 97% 97%

Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

3. Healthy Origins Selenium

  • Shipping & Return Policy 97% 97%
  • Customer Service 96% 96%
  • Essential Ingredients 94% 94%
  • Effectiveness 96% 96%

Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

4. Solgar Selenium

  • Shipping & Return Policy 95% 95%
  • Customer Service 95% 95%
  • Essential Ingredients 96% 96%
  • Effectiveness 94% 94%

Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

5. MegaFood Selenium

  • Shipping & Return Policy 94% 94%
  • Customer Service 96% 96%
  • Essential Ingredients 95% 95%
  • Effectiveness 94% 94%

Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

Ranking Factors

Shipping & Return Policy: we check the shipping and return policy of each recommended product to make sure these brands stand behind their products.

Customer Service: we contact the top rated brands through email, chat or phone to make sure they are responsive and can answer potential questions customers might have.

Essential Ingredients: we verify the ingredients in every top rated brands, their safety and dosage amount in comparison with the latest scientific studies.

Overall Effectiveness: we check with real customers through their reviews and testimonials to make sure the top brands are as effective as they claim to be. We recommend the top 5 formulas based on their average score.

We highly recommend our reader to do their own research, read real reviews and contact any brands directly to make sure they can provide the products and services based on their needs.

1. Thorne Selenomethionine

  • Shipping & Return Policy 100% 100%
  • Customer Service 98% 98%
  • Essential Ingredients 99% 99%
  • Effectiveness 98% 98%

*This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our independent research and customer feedback. Results may vary based on individual.

Disclosure of Material Connection: we only recommend products and services which we believe will add value to the users. However, you should assume the owner of this website and/or blog has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection, to any suppliers of goods and services that may be discussed here and may be compensated for showing ads or recommending products or services or linking to the supplier’s website.

Sources and Citations

1. Selenium https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/
2. Selenium Fact Sheet for Consumers https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-Consumer/
3. Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545442/table/appJ_tab3/?report=objectonly