Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.6
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 11 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Vegetarian Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin E (as D-alpha tocopheryl succinate)
20.1 mg
134%
Selenium (as Se-Methyl L-Selenocysteine, L-selenomethionine (yeast-free), sodium selenite)
200 mcg
364%

Top Medical Research Studies

This study explored how a selenium-containing compound, SeI, impacts depression-like behavior in mice. During behavioral tests, this compound reduced immobility, signaling an antidepressant-like effect without affecting movement.

Notably, blocking specific serotonin receptors changed the results, indicating the serotonergic system's involvement. With a low potential for side effects, SeI shows promise for developing new treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD).

However, it's important to note this research was conducted in mice, so effects in humans remain unconfirmed.
Read More
8
Selenium compound alleviates depression symptoms
We observed the effects of a synthetic compound called 2-phenyl-3-(phenylselanyl)benzofuran (SeBZF1) on mice suffering from sleep deprivation-induced depression.

The study involved assessing behavioral changes after administering SeBZF1, alongside a known antidepressant, fluoxetine.

Remarkably, SeBZF1 not only reversed depressive-like behaviors and memory deficits but also reduced oxidative stress in the brain.

This research suggests that SeBZF1 could be a promising avenue for treating sleep-related neurobehavioral issues.
Read More
We explored the effects of a new compound, CFSePB, to see if it could help alleviate depression-like symptoms in mice. Using several tests like the forced swimming test, we looked at how this selenium-rich compound influenced the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems.

While the results indicate that CFSePB has potential antidepressant-like effects, the study is still in its early stages. More research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and how it may be applied to human treatments for depression.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Reduced anxiety
After a month of taking selenium, I’ve found that my anxiety, depression, and insomnia have subsided. I feel much lighter and more at ease.
Read More
9
Increases energy
After starting to take manganese, zinc, and iodine, I haven't felt this good in ages. I have abundant energy and most importantly, no depression.
Read More
9
Supports longevity
9 people found this helpful
Selenium plays a crucial role in combating premature ageing as it is a part of glutathione peroxidase, our primary antioxidant enzyme. Without sufficient selenium, oxidative damage occurs. While food sources can be lacking, supplements can provide needed support against cancer, heavy metal poisoning, and promote general wellbeing, helping prevent depression and enhancing thyroid function.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.6
  • All Researches
This study explored how a selenium-containing compound, SeI, impacts depression-like behavior in mice. During behavioral tests, this compound reduced immobility, signaling an antidepressant-like effect without affecting movement.

Notably, blocking specific serotonin receptors changed the results, indicating the serotonergic system's involvement. With a low potential for side effects, SeI shows promise for developing new treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD).

However, it's important to note this research was conducted in mice, so effects in humans remain unconfirmed.
Read More
8
PHDI linked to reduced depression
We studied the connection between adherence to the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) and depression using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Our analysis revealed a strong negative correlation between higher PHDI scores and the likelihood of experiencing depression.

Specifically, individuals in the highest quartile of PHDI showed significantly reduced depression risks. Vitamins and nutrients like Vitamin C, Fiber, and Selenium played notable roles in this relationship. Essentially, the data suggests that a diet aligned with sustainable practices may help protect mental health.
Read More
8
Selenium compound alleviates depression symptoms
We observed the effects of a synthetic compound called 2-phenyl-3-(phenylselanyl)benzofuran (SeBZF1) on mice suffering from sleep deprivation-induced depression.

The study involved assessing behavioral changes after administering SeBZF1, alongside a known antidepressant, fluoxetine.

Remarkably, SeBZF1 not only reversed depressive-like behaviors and memory deficits but also reduced oxidative stress in the brain.

This research suggests that SeBZF1 could be a promising avenue for treating sleep-related neurobehavioral issues.
Read More
8
Selenium supplementation shows promise
We examined how selenium-enriched fermented goat milk, made from Lactobacillus paracasei, impacts depression in mice exposed to chronic stress. The findings revealed that this treatment significantly reduced depressive behaviors and helped counteract inflammation and glucocorticoid resistance.

Additionally, we observed improvements in oxidative stress within critical brain areas. Changes in gut bacteria composition further supported the treatment’s potential effects. Overall, these insights lay a foundation for future probiotic supplements aimed at supporting mental health in depressed individuals.
Read More
We explored the effects of a new compound, CFSePB, to see if it could help alleviate depression-like symptoms in mice. Using several tests like the forced swimming test, we looked at how this selenium-rich compound influenced the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems.

While the results indicate that CFSePB has potential antidepressant-like effects, the study is still in its early stages. More research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and how it may be applied to human treatments for depression.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 11 Reviews
8.2
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Reduced anxiety
After a month of taking selenium, I’ve found that my anxiety, depression, and insomnia have subsided. I feel much lighter and more at ease.
Read More
9
Increases energy
After starting to take manganese, zinc, and iodine, I haven't felt this good in ages. I have abundant energy and most importantly, no depression.
Read More
9
Supports longevity
9 people found this helpful
Selenium plays a crucial role in combating premature ageing as it is a part of glutathione peroxidase, our primary antioxidant enzyme. Without sufficient selenium, oxidative damage occurs. While food sources can be lacking, supplements can provide needed support against cancer, heavy metal poisoning, and promote general wellbeing, helping prevent depression and enhancing thyroid function.
Read More
7.5
Boosts intellect
This antioxidant is beneficial in strengthening the immune system, safeguarding against cardiovascular diseases, and enhancing life expectancy. When paired with other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, selenium helps reduce fatigue, combats depression, and boosts intellectual capabilities.
Read More
7.5
Promotes overall health
Selenium is well-known for its benefits regarding depression. As an excellent antioxidant, it is highly recommended by nutritionists for overall health.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Reduced anxiety
After a month of taking selenium, I’ve found that my anxiety, depression, and insomnia have subsided. I feel much lighter and more at ease.
7.5
Improved wellbeing
5 people found this helpful
My health improved significantly after I started using this monovitamin. I felt more energised and noticed that I wasn’t experiencing the usual spring depression. Previously, I had felt a sense of apathy, but now I felt ready to “move mountains” after two weeks of use.
7.5
Protects cells
Selenium is a trace element that protects bodily cells from free radicals and reacts with hazardous heavy metals like mercury and cadmium. This powerful antioxidant bolsters the immune system, guards against cardiovascular diseases, and promotes longevity. When combined with other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, selenium reduces fatigue, combats depression, and enhances intellectual abilities.
6
Prevents anxiety
Selenium deficiency often correlates with thyroid issues and can result in mental health problems, including depression and anxiety disorders. Taking selenium can be key to maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
9
Increases energy
After starting to take manganese, zinc, and iodine, I haven't felt this good in ages. I have abundant energy and most importantly, no depression.
7.5
Boosts intellect
This antioxidant is beneficial in strengthening the immune system, safeguarding against cardiovascular diseases, and enhancing life expectancy. When paired with other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, selenium helps reduce fatigue, combats depression, and boosts intellectual capabilities.
6
Supports thyroid function
Selenium is well-known for its antioxidant properties, protecting cells from damage linked to depression and chronic diseases. It supports thyroid health and can alleviate fatigue, weight gain, and muscle pain. Improving thyroid function can consequently reduce risks related to various conditions.
8
Selenium mitigates infertility-related depression
We analyzed data from 4,949 women to explore whether selenium intake helps alleviate depressive symptoms linked to infertility. Our findings revealed that women experiencing infertility faced a 54% higher risk of depression.

Interestingly, those consuming at least 55 μg of selenium tended to have a lower risk of depressive symptoms. We noted that selenium significantly moderated the relationship between infertility and depression, but not at levels above 55 μg.

Ultimately, while selenium shows potential benefits, it isn't a cure-all, especially for those with infertility struggles.
8
Antioxidants may alleviate depression
We explored the relationship between antioxidant supplements, like selenium, and their effects on depression in a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Analyzing data from 52 studies involving over 4,000 participants, we found that antioxidant supplementation, including selenium, significantly improved depressive symptoms and even showed notable benefits for anxiety.

However, it’s worth noting that the study didn't impose strict limitations on participant characteristics, which may influence the results. Overall, these findings suggest that antioxidant supplementation could be a valuable addition to traditional antidepressant therapies.
8
Selenium compound alleviates depression symptoms
We observed the effects of a synthetic compound called 2-phenyl-3-(phenylselanyl)benzofuran (SeBZF1) on mice suffering from sleep deprivation-induced depression.

The study involved assessing behavioral changes after administering SeBZF1, alongside a known antidepressant, fluoxetine.

Remarkably, SeBZF1 not only reversed depressive-like behaviors and memory deficits but also reduced oxidative stress in the brain.

This research suggests that SeBZF1 could be a promising avenue for treating sleep-related neurobehavioral issues.
8
Selenium compound shows antidepressant potential
We investigated the potential of a selenium-based compound, 1-(phenylselanyl)-2-(p-tolyl)indolizine (MeSeI), as an antidepressant in male Swiss mice.

By using tests like the tail suspension and forced swim tests, we observed that MeSeI significantly reduced immobility time at certain doses, indicating an antidepressant-like effect.

The results suggest that the serotonergic system plays a key role in this effect, making MeSeI a candidate for future depression treatments. However, it’s worth noting that there was no change in locomotor activity, indicating that MeSeI's effects are specific to depression-related behaviors.
7
Selenium's uncertain effects on depression
We explored the relationship between selenium and depression through a thorough review of existing observational and interventional studies. Despite examining 20 studies, we found no clear difference in selenium levels between those with depression and healthy individuals.

Additionally, we didn’t observe a significant link between selenium levels and depression scores. However, it’s noteworthy that higher selenium intake appeared to lower the risk of postpartum depression, and selenium supplementation showed promise in alleviating depressive symptoms.

While these hints suggest selenium might offer protective benefits, more research is needed to really understand its role in treating depression.

References

  1. Jiang C, Choi S, Gong H. From planetary health diet (PHD) to mental health: Higher PHD index protects against depression among the U.S. population. J Psychiatr Res. 2025;183:31. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.02.006
  2. Carnegie RE, Zheng J, Borges MC, Jones HJ, Wade KH, et al. Micronutrients and Major Depression: A Mendelian Randomisation Study. Nutrients. 2024;16. doi:10.3390/nu16213690
  3. Gonçalves LDS, Rusch G, Alves AG, Krüger LD, Paim MP, et al. Acute 2-phenyl-3-(phenylselanyl)benzofuran treatment reverses the neurobehavioral alterations induced by sleep deprivation in mice. Biochem Pharmacol. 2024;226:116339. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116339
  4. Sun Y, Zhao H, Chang M, Yue T, Yuan Y, et al. Fermented goat milk by selenium-enriched Lactobacillus paracasei alleviates depressive psychological disturbance. J Food Sci. 2024;89:4480. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.17167
  5. Pires CS, da Rocha MJ, Presa MH, Zuge NP, Kuntz NEB, et al. N-(3-((3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)selanyl)prop-2-yn-1-yl) benzamide induces antidepressant-like effect in mice: involvement of the serotonergic system. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2024;241:1663. doi:10.1007/s00213-024-06588-8
  6. Wang W, Shi Y, Zhang J, Wang Y, Cheteu Wabo TM, et al. Association of dietary overall antioxidant intake with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among adults with depression: evidence from NHANES 2005-2018. Food Funct. 2024;15:4603. doi:10.1039/d4fo00236a
  7. Wang Z, Xiao T, Qi G. The moderating effect of dietary selenium intake on the risk of infertility-associated depressive symptoms in female. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2024;50:899. doi:10.1111/jog.15912
  8. da Rocha MJ, Pires CS, Presa MH, Besckow EM, Nunes GD, et al. Involvement of the serotonergic system in the antidepressant-like effect of 1-(phenylselanyl)-2-(p-tolyl)indolizine in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2023;240:373. doi:10.1007/s00213-023-06313-x
  9. Wang H, Jin M, Xie M, Yang Y, Xue F, et al. Protective role of antioxidant supplementation for depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Affect Disord. 2023;323:264. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.072
  10. Xu Q, Qian X, Sun F, Liu H, Dou Z, et al. Independent and joint associations of dietary antioxidant intake with risk of post-stroke depression and all-cause mortality. J Affect Disord. 2023;322:84. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.013
  11. Garcia CS, Besckow EM, da Silva Espíndola CN, D'Avila Nunes G, Zuge NP, et al. Antidepressant-Like Effect of a Selenoindolizine in Mice: In Vivo and In Silico Evidence for the Involvement of the Serotonergic 5-HT Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2022;13:1746. doi:10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00129
  12. Sajjadi SS, Foshati S, Haddadian-Khouzani S, Rouhani MH. The role of selenium in depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human observational and interventional studies. Sci Rep. 2022;12:1045. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-05078-1
  13. Yang J, Li H, Hao Z, Jing X, Zhao Y, et al. Mitigation Effects of Selenium Nanoparticles on Depression-Like Behavior Induced by Fluoride in Mice via the JAK2-STAT3 Pathway. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2022;14:3685. doi:10.1021/acsami.1c18417
  14. de Oliveira RL, Voss GT, da C Rodrigues K, Pinz MP, Biondi JV, et al. Prospecting for a quinoline containing selenium for comorbidities depression and memory impairment induced by restriction stress in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2022;239:59. doi:10.1007/s00213-021-06039-8
  15. Ferriani LO, Silva DA, Molina MDCB, Mill JG, Brunoni AR, et al. Associations of depression and intake of antioxidants and vitamin B complex: Results of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). J Affect Disord. 2022;297:259. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.027
  16. Domingues M, Casaril AM, Smaniotto TÂ, Birmann PT, Lourenço DA, et al. Selanylimidazopyridine abolishes inflammation- and stress-induced depressive-like behaviors by modulating the oxido-nitrosative system. Eur J Pharmacol. 2022;914:174570. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174570
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