Selenomethionine

Selenomethionine
IUPAC name

2-amino-4-methylselanyl-butanoic acid
Other names

MSE
Identifiers
CAS number 3211-76-5
PubChem 15103
ChemSpider 14375 Y
UNII 964MRK2PEL Y
ChEBI CHEBI:27585 Y
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C5H11NO2Se
Molar mass 196.106 g/mol
 Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?)
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Selenomethionine is an amino acid containing selenium. The L-enantiomer of selenomethionine, known as Se-met and Sem, is a common natural food source of selenium. In vivo, selenomethionine is randomly incorporated instead of methionine and is readily oxidized. Its antioxidant activity arises from its ability to deplete reactive species. Selenium and sulfur are chalcogen elements that share many chemical properties and the substitution of methionine to selenomethionine may have no effect on protein structure and function. However, the incorporation of selenomethionine into tissue proteins and keratin in horses causes alkali disease. Alkali disease is characterized by emaciation, loss of hair, deformation and shedding of hooves, loss of vitality and erosion of the joints of long bones.

Incorporation of selenomethionine into proteins in place of methionine aids the structure elucidation of proteins by X-ray crystallography using single- or multi-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD or MAD). The incorporation of heavy atoms such as selenium helps solve the phase problem in X-ray crystallography.

It has been suggested that selenomethionine, which is an organic form of selenium, is easier for the human body to absorb than selenite, which is an inorganic form.[1] It was determined in a clinical trial that selenomethionine is absorbed 19% better than selenite.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b "Product Review: Supplements for Cancer Prevention (Green Tea, Lycopene, and Selenium)". ConsumerLab.com. http://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/Supplements_for_Cancer_Prevention_Green_Tea_Lycopene_and_Selenium/cancerprevention/. Retrieved 2008-04-20. "Selenium supplements are available in organic and inorganic forms. Some research suggests that the inorganic form, selenite, is harder for the body to absorb than organic forms such as selenomethionine (selenium bound to methionine, an essential amino acid) or high-selenium yeast (which contains selenomethionine). A recent clinical trial found that selenomethionine had 19% better absorption than selenite; absorption from selenium yeast was about 10% better than selenite." 

External links