Sodium Selenite Anhydrous (10102-18-8)

What is Sodium Selenite?

Sodium Selenite Anhydrous is a white, inorganic compound with the molecular formula Na₂SeO₃, commonly used in dietary supplements. It is produced by reacting selenium dioxide with sodium hydroxide, followed by heating the resulting pentahydrate form to approximately 40°C to obtain the anhydrous form. Sodium selenite supports skin and hair health and is widely used as a key ingredient in dietary supplements and pet nutrition, especially in formulations for cats and dogs.

Mechanism of action of sodium selenite

• Sodium selenite is absorbed in the GIT tract, gets converted into its active form selenide, which is responsible for the synthesis of the compound selenocysteine. These active forms of selenocysteine are incorporated into selenoproteins during translation.
• Selenoproteins are essential for the protection of skin from oxidative stress, modulation of immune responses, and regulation of thyroid hormone metabolism. 

Comparing Sodium Selenite with Other Selenium Forms

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.

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 

• 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

Q. Is Sodium selenite bad for dogs?

Sodium selenite can be both beneficial and potentially harmful to dogs, depending on the dose. It can be toxic in high doses.

Q. Is Sodium selenite the same as selenite crystal?

Sodium selenite and selenite crystal are related as they both contain selenium, however, they are distinct in their composition, form, and uses.

Q. Is sodium selenate good for skin and hair growth?
Sodium selenite contains selenium, which supports hair growth by promoting keratinocyte activity. It also plays a role in DNA synthesis and protects cells from damage.

Q. What is Sodium Selenite Anhydrous USP?
Sodium Selenite Anhydrous USP is a high-purity grade of sodium selenite, commonly used as a source of selenium in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional formulations.

Q. Does sodium selenite cause bladder cancer in dogs?
Sodium selenite is an AAFCO-approved nutritional supplement for cats and dogs. Current studies do not suggest that it causes bladder cancer in dogs.

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