DL-Selenomethionine

Properties

Safety Information

Symbol(GHS):
Signal word:	Danger
Hazard statements:	Code Hazard statements Hazard class Category Signal word Pictogram P-Codes H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure Category 2 Warning P260, P314, P501 H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard Category 1 Warning P273, P391, P501
Precautionary statements:	P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling. P264 Wash skin thouroughly after handling. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P301+P310 IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. P314 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.

Description

Selenomethionine is the major form of selenium in plant foods. Selenomethionine is identical to methionine, except that selenium replaces the sulfur atom. The selenium consumed as selenocysteine is broken down to form alanine and hydrogen selenide (H2Se). The breakdown pathway of selenomethion- ine is not clear. Although selenium does not occur to a great extent as selenite in foods, selenite is readily used as a source of the element by humans and animals. Selenium also occurs as selenate in foods such as beet leaves, garlic, and cabbage.

DL-Selenomethionine is a selenium (Se) analogue of methionine in which sulfur is replaced with the trace element selenium. Selenomethionine (SeMet) can incorporate into proteins in place of methionine with no effects on protein structure and function, providing a mechanism for reversible Se storage in organs and tissues. Free selenium is incorporated into selenocysteine, an amino acid found in more than thirty selenoproteins including the glutathione peroxidases (GPx) enzymes, thioredoxin reductase (TR) and the iodothyronine deiodinase enzymes.