L-Selenocysteine is a modified form of selenocysteine, a common essential amino acid which is very similar in function to cysteine. It is found naturally in human beings in certain enzymes as well as being produced by plants such as garlic and broccoli.
Unlike other amino acids, L-Selenocysteine is not directly incorporated into other proteins. It provides its function on its own. For this reason it is highly reactive and not used in the same way as the body uses other amino acids.
For example, the body will store cysteine in its normal state within muscle tissue then call on it when it's needed. L-Selenocysteine is so highly reactive in its natural state it could cause significant damage to cell structures.
Therefore, the body stores it in a less volatile state and only synthesizes L-Selenocysteine when necessary. The way this physiological process occurs raises some concerns about taking L-Selenocysteine as a daily nutritional supplement.
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L-Selenocysteine Uses L-Selenocysteine has proven to be beneficial in humans because it helps the body manufacture what are known as selenoproteins. Selenoproteins are highly beneficial antioxidants which help control free radicals in the system. Uncontrolled free radicals have been li... more
L-Selenocysteine has proven to be beneficial in humans because it helps the body manufacture what are known as selenoproteins. Selenoproteins are highly beneficial antioxidants which help control free radicals in the system.
Uncontrolled free radicals have been linked to cell damage, many types of cancers, neurological problems, and a general decline in overall health. Yet when there is an ample supply of L-Selenocysteine it allows the body's systems to produce ample amounts of selenoproteins.
Selenoproteins have been known to boost the immune system in some people as well as promote proper thyroid function. L-Selenocysteine is sometimes used in the treatment of disorders related to the immune system such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Extensive studies about the efficacy of L-Selenocysteine as a specific medical treatment are as yet unavailable. Nonetheless, enough is known about L-Selenocysteine that doctors are comfortable in prescribing it as a treatment for some conditions.
For example, it is been noted that in certain regions like Tibet, North Korea, and Siberia, where the soil is severely lacking in natural selenium, the incidence of Kashin-Beck disease- aka "big joint" disease- is higher. Individuals susceptible to this disease often take L-Selenocysteine as a daily supplement to help prevent it.
As a supplement, L-Selenocysteine has its practical limitations. Unlike some amino acids which have been directly linked to building muscle mass and aiding in recovery time after exercise, L-Selenocysteine has no such immediate, measurable benefits.
For this reason there are not an awful lot of supplements on the market which include L-Selenocysteine as an ingredient. There are a small number of dedicated supplements which only contain L-Selenocysteine. There are also some products that include L-Selenocysteine as part of a multivitamin.
Some manufacturers suggest that L-Selenocysteine works best as an antioxidant when combined with moderate amounts of vitamin C. The jury is still out as to why this is so, but it is believed that adding vitamin C helps L-Selenocysteine be more easily absorbed into the body.
On the other hand, researchers warn that the body's required amounts of all the amino acids is a delicate balance which should not be interrupted. If the levels of L-Selenocysteine are too high in any one individual, it could cause problems.
Because studies of this substance are so rare and inconclusive, is hard to say what a proper dosage would be. However, two of the products found online recommend a single serving on a daily basis. The dosage of a single serving for both products was 200mcg.
It should be noted that the nutritional information label on both products warns individuals not to exceed the daily dosage. It also warns pregnant and nursing mothers to avoid using it, while all others should consult a physician before beginning to take it on a daily basis.
L-Selenocysteine is one of those substances where not a lot of scientific data exists. The FDA considers it to be generally safe in healthy people as an oral supplement.
No proven side effects have ever been documented except for general studies indicating that excessive amounts of amino acids in the human body can always cause toxicity issues. When L-Selenocysteine supplements are used in accordance with manufacturer instructions there don't seem to be any big issues.
On the other hand, there are some anecdotal references to individual side effects in some people. Those side effects include hypertension, nausea, and anxiety.
It must be noted that many of the individuals reporting such side effects were also using other supplements at the same time. It may be that these symptoms are the result of interaction between them.
To compare different products which contain L-Selenocysteine, use the supplement finder now!
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