Selenium During Pregnancy
Published:Updated:
Written by: Co-Founder Maria Davi
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nicole Palmer, DO
In this article:
★ WHY IS SELENIUM IMPORTANT DURING PREGNANCY?
★ IS IT SAFE TO TAKE SELENIUM WHILE PREGNANT?
★ HOW MUCH SELENIUM SHOULD I TAKE DURING PREGNANCY?
★ DOES SELENIUM PREVENT MISCARRIAGE?
★ WHAT IS THE ROLE OF SELENIUM IN HUMAN CONCEPTION AND PREGNANCY?
★ BEST SELENIUM-RICH FOODS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
★ BEST PRENATAL VITAMIN WITH SELENIUM
Nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are important aspects for your body to make a baby. You are most likely doing your best to maintain a well-balanced diet and taking a prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy. This is a great step in the right direction for you and your developing baby.
One mineral that is commonly overlooked during pregnancy is Selenium. Selenium is an important antioxidant that helps your immune system and much more. Here are the benefits of taking a prenatal vitamin with selenium for both you and your baby.
★ WHY IS SELENIUM IMPORTANT DURING PREGNANCY?
Selenium is like the knight and shining armor protecting your body from damage caused by free radicals and infections. This vital antioxidant helps regulate your immune system and thyroid function. Selenium is also essential for reproduction, and DNA production.
★ IS IT SAFE TO TAKE SELENIUM WHILE PREGNANT?
Selenium is safe during pregnancy as long as you don’t consume more than the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake). Selenium is fat-soluble, meaning any extra amount of this mineral is stored in the body's liver and fatty tissues. It doesn’t pass through the body as easily as water-soluble vitamins and minerals do.
The fact that selenium can be stored, consuming excessive amounts can build up to toxic levels. Before taking selenium supplements, we advise consulting with your OB.
★ HOW MUCH SELENIUM SHOULD I TAKE DURING PREGNANCY?
The recommended amount of selenium for pregnant women is 60 mcg and 70 mcg if you’re breastfeeding. Selenium is a mineral found in soil and naturally appears in water and plant foods.
Our Feed Mom & Me Complete Prenatal Vitamins contain 30 mcg of selenium and much more! Click here for more information.
★ DOES SELENIUM PREVENT MISCARRIAGE?
While there aren’t many studies indicating selenium prevents miscarriages, there are many reports selenium deficiency in pregnant women can lead to an increase in fetal hypotrophy, hypoxia, increased risk of miscarriage, and the damaging of the nervous and immune systems of the fetus.
A low concentration of selenium in blood serum in the early stage of pregnancy has been a predictor of a newborn’s low birth weight. (Source)
★ WHAT IS THE ROLE OF SELENIUM IN HUMAN CONCEPTION AND PREGNANCY?
Many studies show selenium plays a significant role in the functioning of the reproductive system. Selenium deficiencies may cause disorders of the procreation process in both women and men. It may also cause infertility in men by causing a deterioration in semen and sperm motility quality. [7]}
★ BEST SELENIUM-RICH FOODS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:
- Seafood such as tuna (canned light, includes skipjack) and sardines
- Meats such as grass-fed beef and lamb
- Poultry such as chicken and turkey
- Breads, cereals, and other grain products
- Brazil nuts
★ BEST PRENATAL VITAMIN WITH SELENIUM
One of the best over-the-counter prenatal vitamins during pregnancy is Feed Mom & Me Complete Prenatal with DHA. It contains 30 mcg of Selenium as Amino Acid Chelate.
This prenatal is formulated by an OBGYN & Registered Dietitian, containing all the nutrients needed to conceive and during pregnancy. Each small and easy-to-swallow pill is packed with 22 key natural nutrients to provide nutritional support for you and your growing baby. It contains Folate (methyl folate form), DHA, Iron, Calcium, Choline, Biotin, Zinc, Magnesium, and Selenium.
The vegetarian formula is free of artificial colors or flavors, chemicals, preservatives, non-GMO, dairy, soy, or gluten-free. Each of their capsules contains B6, Organic Ginger, and Peppermint Powder, which can help alleviate morning sickness and nausea.
Adding to that, it is a women-owned company. Who better than a female would understand pregnancy!
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7033058/
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/supplement-guide-selenium
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0946672X14001345
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-Consumer/
- https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/ud3713
- https://www.intechopen.com/books/importance-of-selenium-in-the-environment-and-human-health/the-importance-of-selenium-in-children-s-health-and-reproduction
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25175508/
- https://www.feedmomandme.com/products/complete-prenatal-vitamin-with-dha