Sodium Selenate - Dietary Value

Dietary Value

Chosen for its selenium content and high solubility, sodium selenate is a common ingredient in a variety of over-the-counter vitamin supplements. Despite being a trace element in the body, selenium is crucial to our health and selenium deficiency has been linked to several health issues such as heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and a weakened immune system. In addition, Keshan Disease, Kashin-Beck Disease, and Myxedmatous Endemic Cretinism have all been associated with selenium deficiency. In contrast, over exposure to selenium in the diet leads to a condition known as Selenosis. Selenosis occurs at blood levels greater than 100mcg/dL. Symptoms include gastrointestinal upsets, hair loss, white blotchy nails, garlic breath odor, fatigue, irritability, and mild nerve damage.

Selenium deficiency in livestock has become an issue in recent years due to the lack of selenium in soil. Sodium selenate and selenite are both common ingredients in premix animal feed. Neither compound has demonstrated a difference in the amount of selenium absorbed. The FDA regulates that animal feed contain no more than 5ppm selenium content. Controversy arose in 2009 when a group of 21 polo horses died from selenium poisoning when a pharmacy incorrectly mixed a dietary supplement. The deaths and following media coverage sparked a review in necessary animal diet that is yet to be conclusive.