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
Acute 2-phenyl-3-(phenylselanyl)benzofuran treatment reverses the neurobehavioral alterations induced by sleep deprivation in mice.
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
New selenium compound shows promise
N-(3-((3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)selanyl)prop-2-yn-1-yl) benzamide induces antidepressant-like effect in mice: involvement of the serotonergic system.
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
Depression alleviated
6 people found this helpful
This selenium from IHerb is remarkable. As someone with a goitre, I take it alongside iodine. Since I started, my depression has vanished, and I feel fantastic. It assists with iodine absorption, and I've noticed fewer colds. I take 200 mcg daily for myself and 100 mcg for my daughter each morning with breakfast. Overall, I feel a boost in my health.
Read More
9
Good mood restored
2 people found this helpful
Everyone recommends selenium, so I decided to give it a try when I was experiencing poor sleep, fatigue, a low mood, and depression. Following the instructions, I started with small doses and did not face any adverse effects. The benefits I gained were tremendous: I felt energised, my mood improved, and my sleep quality enhanced significantly. Only positive experiences!
Read More
8.5
Mood improvement
The quality of this selenium is outstanding with ideal daily dosages. It greatly helps improve my mood and alleviates my depression.
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
From planetary health diet (PHD) to mental health: Higher PHD index protects against depression among the U.S. population.
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
Acute 2-phenyl-3-(phenylselanyl)benzofuran treatment reverses the neurobehavioral alterations induced by sleep deprivation in mice.
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.
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
8
New selenium compound shows promise
N-(3-((3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)selanyl)prop-2-yn-1-yl) benzamide induces antidepressant-like effect in mice: involvement of the serotonergic system.
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.
This selenium from IHerb is remarkable. As someone with a goitre, I take it alongside iodine. Since I started, my depression has vanished, and I feel fantastic. It assists with iodine absorption, and I've noticed fewer colds. I take 200 mcg daily for myself and 100 mcg for my daughter each morning with breakfast. Overall, I feel a boost in my health.
Read More
9
Good mood restored
2 people found this helpful
Everyone recommends selenium, so I decided to give it a try when I was experiencing poor sleep, fatigue, a low mood, and depression. Following the instructions, I started with small doses and did not face any adverse effects. The benefits I gained were tremendous: I felt energised, my mood improved, and my sleep quality enhanced significantly. Only positive experiences!
Read More
8.5
Mood improvement
The quality of this selenium is outstanding with ideal daily dosages. It greatly helps improve my mood and alleviates my depression.
Read More
8
Revitalised energy
After giving birth, I often felt exhausted and lethargic. After completing a course of selenium, I felt revitalised, and my depression noticeably lessened. I no longer felt the urge to cry.
Read More
7.5
Avoids postpartum depression
Selenium is an exceptional supplement that I chose based on a kinesiological test. I took it alongside my prenatal vitamins during the second and third trimesters when the demand for trace elements increased significantly. Selenium aids in preventing postpartum depression, facilitates healthy placental aging, and prepares the body for childbirth. I consumed two tablets daily from the seventh month of pregnancy, a dosage my body required. Consequently, I experienced a natural labour without medication, which is quite rare nowadays. The capsules were easy to swallow despite their characteristic odour.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Depression is a common and serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, and it goes beyond just feeling down; it can interfere significantly with daily life, impacting relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. Symptoms of depression may include changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of worthlessness or suicide.
The causes of depression are complex and may involve a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. While it's a serious condition that can be debilitating, the good news is that it is treatable. Various treatment options are available, including therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support groups. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, seeking help from a healthcare professional is a crucial step toward recovery.
Selenium is a powerful and widely used open-source tool designed for automating web applications for testing purposes. It enables developers and testers to write code in various programming languages such as Java, Python, C#, and Ruby to simulate user interactions with a web browser. Selenium's flexibility allows users to create complex test scenarios that mimic real-world user behaviors, making it an essential tool for ensuring web application functionality and performance.
In addition to its core functionalities, Selenium consists of several components, including Selenium WebDriver for automating browsers, Selenium Grid for running tests across multiple machines and environments in parallel, and Selenium IDE for record-and-playback test creation. Its compatibility with multiple browser types—such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge—makes it a versatile choice for automated testing, catering to a wide range of projects and team needs. For anyone involved in web development or quality assurance, understanding and utilizing Selenium can significantly improve testing efficiency and reliability.
Based on user reviews, many individuals have noted a range of experiences with selenium supplementation, particularly regarding improvements in mood related to depression. Several users reported that they began to notice positive effects relatively quickly, often within a few weeks of consistent use. For instance, one user highlighted that their low mood was notably improved after incorporating selenium into their routine, indicating results after what seems to be a short duration Read Review. Another review suggests significant mood improvement was felt after completing a course of selenium, which may point to a time frame of several weeks alongside consistent use Read Review.
However, individual experiences can vary, and while some users felt revitalized and noted a lesser sense of depression soon after commencing supplementation Read Review, others may take longer to experience similar results. It appears that starting with the recommended dosages can lead to a gradual yet noticeable improvement in mood and energy, particularly when taken as part of a daily routine Read Review. As always, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional if you're considering adding supplements like selenium to your regimen for depression management.
Recent scientific research suggests that certain forms of selenium may hold promise in combatting depression. For instance, studies involving selenium-enriched compounds have shown antidepressant-like effects in mice, indicating a potential pathway for developing new treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) [8][11]. In particular, one study demonstrated that a compound called 2-phenyl-3-(phenylselanyl)benzofuran effectively reversed depressive-like behaviors in sleep-deprived mice [3]. Additionally, research highlighted the role of selenium in dietary interventions, such as selenium-enriched goat milk, which significantly reduced depressive behaviors linked to chronic stress in animal models [4].
On the other hand, while some studies have pointed to micronutrients, including selenium, as having protective benefits against depression, others have produced mixed results. One comprehensive review failed to find a clear correlation between selenium levels and depression severity [12]. Furthermore, while one study indicated that higher selenium intake could potentially mitigate depressive symptoms in women facing infertility, it noted that selenium wasn't a definitive solution for depression [7]. Overall, while promising, the evidence surrounding selenium as a treatment for depression is still developing, and more human-targeted research is necessary to validate its efficacy in treating this complex mental health condition.
Users have reported a variety of improvements in symptoms after incorporating selenium into their daily regimen, particularly in relation to mood and overall health. Many individuals noted significant enhancements in their mental wellbeing, with one user mentioning that their depression vanished and they felt "fantastic" after starting selenium, especially alongside iodine for better absorption Read Review. Another user who was grappling with poor sleep and low mood experienced a tremendous improvement in energy and sleep quality after starting on small doses Read Review.
Moreover, returning to a sense of normalcy was echoed by a new mother who, after completing a course of selenium, felt revitalized and noticed a considerable reduction in depressive feelings Read Review. Another reviewer emphasized that taking selenium not only helped with their mood but also had a positive effect on preventing postpartum depression, which illustrates its potential benefits during critical times such as pregnancy Read Review. While these experiences paint a generally favorable picture of selenium's benefits, individual results can vary greatly, and it's always prudent to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement.
Users have reported varying experiences when combining selenium with other supplements for managing depression. For instance, one user specifically mentioned that taking selenium alongside iodine not only improved their overall health but also led to an impressive reduction in depressive symptoms, as their mood significantly enhanced and their depression vanished Read Review. This suggests that the combination of these two supplements may support better iodine absorption and yield additional mental health benefits.
Additionally, there are indications that selenium might positively affect postpartum depression when taken with prenatal vitamins, with a review highlighting its role in enhancing a new mother's wellbeing during pregnancy and after childbirth Read Review. This implies that selenium could serve as a valuable addition to a postpartum supplement regimen, potentially alleviating depressive symptoms while also supporting other health needs. However, individual outcomes can differ, thus consulting a healthcare professional is advisable when considering the combination of supplements for depression management.
Users report varying dosages of Selenium that they find effective for treating depression, often tailored to their personal health needs. One user notes taking 200 mcg daily, while their daughter takes 100 mcg, which they found beneficial for both mood and immunity Read Review. Others have shared positive experiences starting with small doses, suggesting a cautious approach may enhance mood and sleep quality without adverse side effects Read Review.
The feedback highlights that the ideal dosage might vary based on individual situations, such as postpartum recovery, where a higher intake of two tablets daily was reported as helpful Read Review. Overall, users recommend monitoring personal responses to find the optimal amount, with some reporting significant improvements in their mental health at 200 mcg and others advocating for lower doses to avoid any complications Read Review.
9
Good mood restored
2 people found this helpful
Everyone recommends selenium, so I decided to give it a try when I was experiencing poor sleep, fatigue, a low mood, and depression. Following the instructions, I started with small doses and did not face any adverse effects. The benefits I gained were tremendous: I felt energised, my mood improved, and my sleep quality enhanced significantly. Only positive experiences!
8
Revitalised energy
After giving birth, I often felt exhausted and lethargic. After completing a course of selenium, I felt revitalised, and my depression noticeably lessened. I no longer felt the urge to cry.
8.5
Mood improvement
The quality of this selenium is outstanding with ideal daily dosages. It greatly helps improve my mood and alleviates my depression.
9
Depression alleviated
6 people found this helpful
This selenium from IHerb is remarkable. As someone with a goitre, I take it alongside iodine. Since I started, my depression has vanished, and I feel fantastic. It assists with iodine absorption, and I've noticed fewer colds. I take 200 mcg daily for myself and 100 mcg for my daughter each morning with breakfast. Overall, I feel a boost in my health.
7.5
Avoids postpartum depression
Selenium is an exceptional supplement that I chose based on a kinesiological test. I took it alongside my prenatal vitamins during the second and third trimesters when the demand for trace elements increased significantly. Selenium aids in preventing postpartum depression, facilitates healthy placental aging, and prepares the body for childbirth. I consumed two tablets daily from the seventh month of pregnancy, a dosage my body required. Consequently, I experienced a natural labour without medication, which is quite rare nowadays. The capsules were easy to swallow despite their characteristic odour.
8
Selenium compound shows antidepressant potential
Involvement of the serotonergic system in the antidepressant-like effect of 1-(phenylselanyl)-2-(p-tolyl)indolizine in mice.
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.
9
Selenium's potential in depression treatment
Antidepressant-Like Effect of a Selenoindolizine in Mice: In Vivo and In Silico Evidence for the Involvement of the Serotonergic 5-HT Receptors.
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.
8
Selenium compound alleviates depression symptoms
Acute 2-phenyl-3-(phenylselanyl)benzofuran treatment reverses the neurobehavioral alterations induced by sleep deprivation in mice.
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.
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.
7
Selenium's uncertain effects on depression
The role of selenium in depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human observational and interventional studies.
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.
8
Selenium mitigates infertility-related depression
The moderating effect of dietary selenium intake on the risk of infertility-associated depressive symptoms in female.
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.
References
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. 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.02.006
Carnegie RE, Zheng J, Borges MC, Jones HJ, Wade KH, et al. Micronutrients and Major Depression: A Mendelian Randomisation Study. Nutrients. 2024;16. 10.3390/nu16213690
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. 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116339
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. 10.1111/1750-3841.17167
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. 10.1007/s00213-024-06588-8
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. 10.1039/d4fo00236a
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. 10.1111/jog.15912
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. 10.1007/s00213-023-06313-x
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. 10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.072
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. 10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.013
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. 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00129
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. 10.1038/s41598-022-05078-1
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. 10.1021/acsami.1c18417
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. 10.1007/s00213-021-06039-8
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. 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.027
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. 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174570