Selenium is an essential trace mineral. Dietary selenium is required as a cofactor for the glutathione peroxidase enzyme. Glutathione peroxidase in an important cellular antioxidant and low levels of dietary selenium can cause significant decreases in cellular antioxidant defences. Low intakes of selenium are associated with mood disorders and tiredness, and this may relate to changes in the levels of glutathione peroxidase in the cells. A number of studies have looked at the effects of selenium supplements on depression in order to investigate any link between the two. For example, in one study, researchers administered 100 micrograms of selenium as selenium yeast to pregnant women during pregnancy. The women receiving the supplements experienced a significant increase in blood selenium levels. In addition, those receiving the selenium supplements experienced significantly less post-natal depression compared to the control group, suggesting that selenium supplements may be beneficial to mental health.
Studies indicate that large numbers of individuals living in Western countries are deficient in selenium. These individuals appear to have a much higher risk of developing mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, on account of their low blood selenium levels. Supplements of selenium at around 200 micrograms per day are effective at raising blood levels of selenium to normal and this may have beneficial effects on mood.
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