L-Selenomethionine

L-Selenomethionine (CAS No.: 3211-76-5) is a naturally occurring selenium-containing amino acid. Its key functions and applications include:

🔬 1. Nutritional Supplement Use

L-selenomethionine is an organic selenium source used to supplement selenium intake, with significantly higher bioavailability than inorganic forms (such as sodium selenite or selenate).

• ✅ Commonly used as a dietary supplement for both humans and animals.

• ✅ Found in health products, fortified foods, and nutritional supplements.

🧬 2. Antioxidant and Immune Support

Selenium is an essential component of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase (GPx). L-selenomethionine helps to:

• ✅ Eliminate free radicals and reduce oxidative stress

• ✅ Enhance immune function, aiding resistance to infections

• ✅ Protect cardiovascular, liver, and thyroid health by reducing inflammation

🧪 3. Research Applications in Structural Biology

In structural biology, L-selenomethionine is used for:

• ✅ X-ray crystallography, by replacing methionine with selenium for easier phase determination

• ✅ Recombinant protein expression, allowing for specific labeling through methionine substitution

🐄 4. Animal Feed Additive

• Used as a feed additive for poultry, pigs, cattle, and aquatic species, to enhance immunity, growth performance, and reproduction.

💊 5. Potential Disease Prevention (Under Research)

Some studies suggest L-selenomethionine may support:

• Cancer prevention: By modulating oxidative stress and inducing apoptosis

• Thyroid health: Selenium is essential for proper thyroid hormone metabolism