Sodium Selenite Anhydrous (10102-18-8)

What is Sodium Selenite?

Sodium Selenite Anhydrous (CAS 10102-18-8) is a white, water soluble inorganic selenium compound with the molecular formula Na₂SeO₃. It is widely used as a source of selenium in pharmaceutical formulations, dietary supplements, and animal nutrition. Selenium is an essential trace element involved in selenoprotein synthesis, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and thyroid hormone metabolism. Sodium Selenite Anhydrous is commonly incorporated into formulations intended for selenium supplementation and the prevention of selenium deficiency.

Sodium Selenite Mechanism of Action: How Does It Work?

Sodium selenite provides selenium required for various biological functions. Its mechanism of action involves three key processes: absorption and metabolism, antioxidant activity, and regulation of thyroid and immune functions.

• Absorption and Metabolism: Sodium selenite is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and converted into selenide, which is used to produce selenocysteine, an essential component of selenoproteins.
• Antioxidant Activity: Selenoproteins help protect cells from oxidative damage by supporting antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase.
• Thyroid and Immune Function: Selenoproteins help regulate thyroid hormone metabolism and support normal immune system function.

Sodium Selenite vs Other Forms of Selenium: Key Differences

Sodium selenite vs selenium

• Sodium selenite is an inorganic compound with the molecular formula Na₂SeO₃, while selenium is the pure form of the element (Se) found in Brazil nuts and seafood.
• Sodium selenite is water-soluble and gets easily absorbed, while elemental selenium has lower bioavailability.
• Sodium selenite is used in supplements and nutrition, whereas elemental selenium is used more in industrial applications like electronics and glassmaking.

Sodium selenite vs selenium yeast 

• Sodium selenite is the inorganic form of selenium, produced from the reaction of selenium dioxide with sodium hydroxide, while selenium yeast is produced by the fermentation of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in selenium-rich media.

• Sodium selenite is absorbed and passively converted to hydrogen selenide for selenoprotein synthesis, while Selenium yeast offers higher bioavailability and is more safely retained in the body.

Sodium selenite vs selenomethionine 

• Sodium selenite is inorganic, while selenomethionine is an organic selenium amino acid produced from Yeast fermentation.
• Selenomethionine is more readily absorbed by the body as compared to sodium selenite 
• Sodium selenite is less stable in the presence of Vitamin C, while selenomethionine is more chemically stable.

Uses and Applications of Sodium Selenite Anhydrous

Medical and Nutritional Uses

• Dietary Supplements & Vitamins: Sodium selenite anhydrous is widely used as a source of selenium in dietary supplements and multivitamin formulations, and improves overall health.
• Thyroid Function: Selenium plays a key role in maintaining proper thyroid hormone metabolism and thyroid gland function. It converts inactive thyroxine (T4)  into active triiodothyronine (T3).
• Antioxidant Support: It contributes to the body’s antioxidant defense system, helping reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Skin and Hair Health: Adequate selenium levels may support healthy skin and hair by promoting cellular repair and reducing damage.

Veterinary and Animal Nutrition

• Pet Nutrition: Added to dog and cat foods as an essential trace mineral to support immune health, reproductive function, and metabolism.
• Livestock Feed: Also used in feed for poultry, swine, and cattle for selenium supplementation.

Industrial Applications

• Glass Manufacturing: Sodium selenite is used to decolorize glass by neutralizing the green tint caused by iron impurities, helping produce clear glass.
• Agriculture: Applied in trace amounts as a selenium fertilizer to enrich soil and crops in selenium-deficient areas.
• Diagnostic and Analytical Chemistry: Used as a reagent in laboratory testing and diagnostic kits for detecting and analyzing selenium or other related compounds.

Side Effects of Sodium Selenite Anhydrous

• Its overdose uses may cause metallic taste in the mouth, hair loss, fever, and fatigue.
• It can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes, with possible eye damage.
• It may interact with other medications like corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs, and niacin.
• Its high exposure can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, coated tongue, metallic taste in the mouth.
• In a severe condition, it may lead to kidney and liver damage, numbness, and tingling. 
• Its long-term exposure can damage the red blood cells, causing anemia.

FAQs

Q1. What is Sodium Selenite Anhydrous used for?

Sodium Selenite Anhydrous is used as a source of selenium in pharmaceutical formulations, dietary supplements, multivitamins, and animal nutrition products.

Q2. What is the difference between Sodium Selenite Anhydrous and Sodium Selenite Pentahydrate?

Sodium Selenite Anhydrous (Na₂SeO₃) contains no water of crystallization, whereas Sodium Selenite Pentahydrate (Na₂SeO₃·5H₂O) contains five molecules of water per formula unit

Q3. Is Sodium Selenite safe for dogs?

Sodium selenite is used as a selenium source in formulated pet foods. It is safe at appropriate dietary concentrations, but excessive selenium intake can cause toxicity.

Q4. Is Sodium Selenite the same as selenite crystal?

No. Sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) is an inorganic selenium compound, whereas selenite crystal is a form of gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) that does not contain selenium as a constituent.

Q5. Is Sodium Selenite good for skin and hair?

Sodium selenite provides selenium, an essential trace element involved in antioxidant defense and normal cellular function. However, there is insufficient evidence that sodium selenite supplementation directly promotes hair growth in individuals without selenium deficiency.

Q6. What is the CAS number of Sodium Selenite Anhydrous?

The CAS number of Sodium Selenite Anhydrous is 10102-18-8, and its molecular formula is Na₂SeO₃.

Q7. What is the difference between Sodium Selenite and Sodium Selenate?

Sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) and sodium selenate (Na₂SeO₄) are inorganic selenium compounds that differ in oxidation state, chemical properties, and metabolic pathways.

Q8. Is Sodium Selenite Anhydrous soluble in water?

Yes. Sodium Selenite Anhydrous is water-soluble, making it suitable for various pharmaceutical and nutritional formulations.

Q9. What are the side effects of Sodium Selenite?

Excessive sodium selenite intake can cause selenium toxicity, potentially resulting in nausea, vomiting, hair loss, brittle nails, and neurological symptoms.

Q10. What are the pharmaceutical grades of Sodium Selenite Anhydrous?

Sodium Selenite Anhydrous is supplied by Macsen Labs in BP/Ph. Eur. grades for pharmaceutical and nutritional applications.

Q11. Who manufactures Sodium Selenite Anhydrous in India?

Macsen Labs is an Indian manufacturer and supplier of Sodium Selenite Anhydrous (CAS 10102-18-8), offering pharmaceutical-grade material for domestic and international markets

Buy high-purity Sodium Selenite Anhydrous BP/Ph.Eur. from Macsen Laboratories. For buying, send us an enquiry-