From the Research
Selenium does not specifically cleanse the lymphatic system, and its primary role is in immune function, thyroid health, and antioxidant protection. The lymphatic system naturally removes waste and toxins from the body without requiring specific supplements for cleansing. If you're interested in supporting lymphatic health, focus on staying well-hydrated, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. These lifestyle approaches are more effective for lymphatic function than selenium supplementation, as supported by a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental human studies 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Selenium is an essential trace mineral, but its supplementation does not substantially affect immunoglobulin or white blood cell concentrations, and the dose-response meta-analysis indicated that an increase in plasma selenium concentrations above 100 μg/L did not further increase IgA levels nor T cells 1.
- The only beneficial effect of selenium supplementation was the increased activity for NK lysis, but the available data did not permit dose-response analysis, and cytokine levels were substantially unaffected by selenium supplementation 1.
- Good dietary sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, and whole grains, and the recommended daily allowance for selenium is 55 mcg for adults, with an upper limit of 400 mcg daily, as excessive selenium can cause toxicity symptoms including hair loss, nail brittleness, and neurological issues 2.
- Selenium has been shown to have antioxidant properties and can protect against certain diseases, but its effects on immune function are inconsistent and heterogeneous due to differences in trial duration and interventions, plus evidence of null and even detrimental effects 3, 4, 5.
Overall, the evidence does not support the need to supplement selenium beyond the recommended dietary intake to obtain beneficial effects on immune function or to cleanse the lymphatic system 1.