What is the difference between sodium selenite and selenium?

Selenium is an essential trace element that has an important role in oxidation–reduction reactions in the body [27]. The primary inorganic form of selenium is sodium selenite, which is found in natural water and soil. Sodium selenite is inactive and requires organification to exert its biological actions.

Is sodium selenite toxic?

Sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) is a toxic inorganic salt that is highly soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents. The crystal structure of the anhydrous salt has been variously reported as tetragonal or monoclinic.

What is sodium selenite drug?

An inorganic form of the trace element selenium with potential antineoplastic activity. Selenium, administered in the form of sodium selenite, is reduced to hydrogen selenide (H2Se) in the presence of glutathione (GSH) and subsequently generates superoxide radicals upon reaction with oxygen.

Is sodium selenite safe for humans?

Sodium selenite may be toxic when taken orally at higher doses, yet it is well tolerated by other routes such as intravenous, intraperitoneal and/or transdermal.

Is sodium selenite the same as salt?

Disodium selenite is an inorganic sodium salt composed of sodium and selenite ions in a 2:1 ratio. It has a role as a nutraceutical. It is a selenite salt and an inorganic sodium salt.

Is sodium selenite safe for cats?

There is a common ingredient present in most dry pet foods and some canned pet foods that can be very damaging to the health of your dog or cat, even though it is present in very minute amounts: sodium selenite (NaSeO3). It may be toxic to blood, kidneys, liver, skin, central nervous system of your pet.

Is selenite toxic to humans?

* Breathing Sodium Selenite can irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath. * High exposure can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, coated tongue, metallic taste, and a garlic odor of the breath.

Why is selenite toxic?

* Sodium Selenite may cause mutations. Handle with extreme caution. * Contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes with possible eye damage. * Breathing Sodium Selenite can irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath.

Is selenite poisonous to dogs?

Sodium selenite can be controversial substance when it’s used in a dog food recipe. That’s because although the mineral is essential for normal cell function in all animals, selenium can be toxic in high doses.

Can I give my cat selenium?

AAFCO has established a minimum requirement of selenium for both cat food and dog food at 0.03 milligram per day (again, based on recommended daily calorie intake). EPA – maximum 0.853 mg per day for a 121 pound human.