Lalmin® Se: A Natural and Bioavailable Source of Vegan Organic Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace element widely recognized for its potent antioxidant capacity and crucial roles in immune function, thyroid activity, fertility enhancement, and cellular protection. Typically, selenium enters the human diet through plants, via soil content - meaning intake levels can vary dramatically depending on geography and dietary habits. Inadequate selenium intake can lead to deficiency, which is associated with a range of negative health outcomes. Moreover, most selenium supplements on the market today use inorganic selenium, a form with poor absorption and a risk of toxicity when consumed in excess. In response to this challenge, Lalmin® Se, a natural, organic, safe, and highly bioavailable form developed by Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, is emerging as a superior solution for next-generation micronutrient supplementation.

1. What is Lalmin® Se?

Lalmin® Se is a dried inactivated whole cell yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as baker's yeast) containing high levels of selenium in its most natural and safe food form: L(+) selenomethionine (SeMet). It is produced by cultivating yeast in a selenium-enriched medium, where the live yeast cells metabolize and convert more than 99% of inorganic selenium into safer organic compounds, including selenomethionine and other selenoproteins.

Selenomethionine is naturally found in edible plant proteins and is known for its high bioavailability and safety profile. It is considered the optimal form of selenium for dietary supplementation.

Lalmin® Se is available in two standardized formulations:

• Lalmin® Se1000: 1,000–1,400 µg selenium per gram
  
  
• Lalmin® Se2000: 2,000–2,400 µg selenium per gram
  
  

2. What Are the Benefits of Lalmin® Se?

Selenium supports multiple vital physiological functions:

• Antioxidant Defense: Protects cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage
  
  
• Immune Support: Enhances immune system performance and resilience
  
  
• Thyroid Regulation: Plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism and conversion
  
  
• Reproductive Health: Supports healthy sperm development and function
  
  
• Hair and Nail Health: Helps maintain normal structure and strength
  
  

Beyond these well-established roles. New data shows that selenoproteins are also relevant for normal neurological function. Selenium has been identified as playing a role in several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and possibly multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s

3. Lalmin® Se: Best Bioavailability In Humans

Conventional inorganic selenium forms - like selenite or selenate - often suffer from poor taste, low bioavailability, and higher excretion rates. In contrast, selenium from Lalmin® Se, in the form of selenomethionine, offers significantly enhanced absorption.

An animal study found that rats supplemented with inorganic selenite excreted up to 9 times more selenium in their urine than those supplemented with Lalmin® Se, indicating much higher retention and bioavailability of the yeast-bound form.

In a clinical study, 50 middle-aged Finnish men of low selenium status were supplemented with different forms of selenium (200 μg/day) for 11 weeks. The results show that Yeast rich in selenium has a similar bioavailability as wheat rich in selenium and is more bioavailable than inorganic selenium.

4. Lalmin® Se: Optimized Antioxidant for Skin Protection

Lalmin® Se also holds unique potential in the beauty-from-within segment. A clinical trial involving 25 healthy individuals assessed the efficacy of an antioxidant complex containing Lalmin® Se. After 7 weeks of oral supplementation, participants showed:

• Increased skin tolerance to UV radiation
  
  
• Reduced incidence of sunburn (as measured by MED: Minimal Erythema Dose)
  
  
• Enhanced protection against oxidative stress
  
  
• DNA stabilization and genomic protection
  
  
• A measurable increase in skin pigmentation
  
  

These outcomes underscore Lalmin® Se’s ability to contribute not only to systemic wellness but also to dermatological resilience - making it an ideal inclusion for skin-focused nutraceutical formulations.

5. Applications in Modern Supplement Formulations

Lalmin® Se meets all modern criteria: vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and produced according to strict processes, ensuring quality and environmental friendliness. – in line with the clean-label trend and strict requirements from consumers and managers. It also delivers high selenium content: just 35 mg of Lalmin® Se2000 provides 70 µg of selenium - Its stable, well-characterized format enables easy integration into a wide range of applications, including dietary supplements, functional foods, fortified dairy.

For B2B including distributors, OEM manufacturers, and ingredient suppliers, Lalmin® Se offers a proven, science-backed solution with compelling added value. As selenium continues to be recognized as a key nutrient for preventive health, Lalmin® Se stands as a strategic ingredient for forward-thinking product portfolios.