Se Aspartate

Se Aspartate is a selenium supplement prescribed to treat or avoid selenium deficiency. Although present only in small amounts, selenium has important functions in the human body. Selenium is an antioxidant (especially with vitamin E), needed for proper thyroid functioning, and may have important role in the functioning of the immune system and disease process of immune system-related conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Selenium is present in several food items such as meat, seafood, and plant-based foods grown in soils rich in selenium. For a reference, a relatively lean meat like ham contains around 33 mcg (micrograms) of selenium.

Deficiency in this mineral is rare in people with healthy diet. Selenium deficiency tends to occur in individuals who are unable to eat due to disease or to those who have severe malabsorption problems.

Dietary selenium requirements vary among age groups, pregnancy, and breastfeeding status. The following describes the recommended dietary intakes (per day) of the mineral:

• Children younger than 3 years old – 10 mcg (micrograms) to 20 mcg.
• Children 4 years old to 6 years old – 20 mcg
• Children 7 years old to 10 years old – 30 mcg
• Teen and adult men – 40 mcg to 70 mcg
• Teen and adult women – 45 mcg to 55 mcg
• Pregnant women – 65 mcg
• Nursing mothers – 75 mcg

There are some important things to consider first before taking Se Aspartate. 

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you experienced allergies to selenium supplements or other food, medicines or drugs before. You cannot take Se Aspartate if you are allergic to selenium.

Medical problems

If you have kidney or stomach problems, call your doctor first before taking any selenium supplements like Se Aspartate. These conditions can cause increased levels of selenium in the bloodstream, and taking additional supplements may cause an overdose.

Use on children

Only give Se Aspartate to children as directed by the doctor.

Elderly

Observe recommended dietary requirements in giving Se Aspartate to elderly patients.

Pregnant women

Selenium is important for healthy pregnancy, but too much can be harmful. Only give Se Aspartate if prescribed by the doctor.

Breastfeeding

Selenium is needed by mothers who are nursing. However, large amounts of selenium can be harmful to the mother and the baby. Breastfeeding mothers should take Se Aspartate only if the doctor prescribes it.

Drug interactions

Selenium supplements like Se Aspartate may interact with the drug Eltrobopag. If you are taking this medicine, call your doctor first before taking Se Aspartate. 

When taking Se Aspartate, always follow the dose indicated on the label or as instructed by the doctor. You can take Se Aspartate with or without food.

If you missed a dose of Se Aspartate, take it as soon as you remember. If it almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and stick to regular dosing. Do not double the dose of Se Aspartate.

Keep Se Aspartate at room temperature and in a dry place. Do not store in the freezer. 

Observe proper use and dose of Se Aspartate to avoid side effects. 

Keep Se Aspartate out of children's reach. High doses of selenium can be poisonous to children. 

Note that overdosing on Se Aspartate may cause side effects. Call the doctor if you experienced the following while receiving Se Aspartate:

• Watery or frequent diarrhea
• Garlic-like odor of breath or sweat
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Itching
• Irritability
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Weakened or brittle fingernails