Sodium selenite: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:23, 15 February 2025

Overview[edit]

Sodium selenite is an inorganic compound with the formula Na₂SeO₃. It is a colorless solid that is soluble in water and is commonly used as a dietary supplement and in various industrial applications. Sodium selenite is one of the most common water-soluble forms of selenium, an essential trace element for many organisms.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Sodium selenite is a salt of selenous acid and is composed of sodium cations (Na⁺) and selenite anions (SeO₃^2_). It is typically obtained by the neutralization of selenous acid with sodium hydroxide. The compound is stable under normal conditions but can decompose upon heating to release toxic selenium dioxide (SeO₂) and sodium oxide (Na₂O).

Biological Role[edit]

Selenium, in the form of sodium selenite, plays a crucial role in the human body. It is a component of several selenoproteins and enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, which protect cells from oxidative damage. Selenium is also important for thyroid hormone metabolism and immune system function.

Uses[edit]

Sodium selenite is used in animal feed and human dietary supplements to prevent selenium deficiency. It is also employed in glass manufacturing to decolorize glass and in the production of selenium-containing pigments. In biochemistry, sodium selenite is used as a source of selenium in cell culture media.

Safety and Toxicity[edit]

While selenium is essential in small amounts, sodium selenite can be toxic at higher concentrations. Overexposure can lead to selenosis, a condition characterized by symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, hair loss, and neurological damage. It is important to handle sodium selenite with care and adhere to recommended dietary allowances.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Sodium selenite''' is an inorganic compound with the formula Na2SeO3. This salt is a colorless solid. Although it is the most common selenium compound in animal feeds, it is considered less pure compared to [[selenium yeast]]. Sodium selenite is used in the manufacture of glass, as a colorant, and as a source for selenium in dietary supplements.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Sodium selenite}}
-==Chemistry==
+== Overview ==
-Sodium selenite is formed by the reaction of selenium dioxide (SeO2) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), resulting in the formation of this selenite salt along with water. The compound exists as a pentahydrate in its most stable form, Na2SeO3·5H2O. It is a soluble compound that can be found in aqueous solutions across various concentrations.
+[[File:Sodium_selenite.jpg|thumb|right|Sodium selenite powder]]
+'''Sodium selenite''' is an inorganic compound with the formula Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub>. It is a colorless solid that is soluble in water and is commonly used as a dietary supplement and in various industrial applications. Sodium selenite is one of the most common water-soluble forms of selenium, an essential trace element for many organisms.
-==Uses==
+== Chemical Properties ==
-===Glass Manufacturing===
+Sodium selenite is a salt of [[selenous acid]] and is composed of sodium cations (Na<sup>+</sup>) and selenite anions (SeO<sub>3</sub><sup>2_</sup>). It is typically obtained by the neutralization of selenous acid with sodium hydroxide. The compound is stable under normal conditions but can decompose upon heating to release toxic selenium dioxide (SeO<sub>2</sub>) and sodium oxide (Na<sub>2</sub>O).
-In the glass industry, sodium selenite is used as a decolorizing and refining agent. It helps remove color from glass by counteracting the green tint caused by iron impurities. Additionally, it can impart a red color to glass when used in higher concentrations.
-===Animal Feed===
+== Biological Role ==
-Sodium selenite serves as a source of selenium for animal nutrition. Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a critical role in the metabolism of all animals. It is added to animal feeds to prevent and treat selenium deficiency, which can lead to various health issues in livestock.
+Selenium, in the form of sodium selenite, plays a crucial role in the [[human body]]. It is a component of several [[selenoproteins]] and [[enzymes]], including [[glutathione peroxidase]], which protect cells from oxidative damage. Selenium is also important for [[thyroid hormone]] metabolism and [[immune system]] function.
-===Dietary Supplements===
+== Uses ==
-In human nutrition, sodium selenite is used as a selenium supplement. Selenium is vital for the proper functioning of the immune system and the thyroid gland. However, due to its potential toxicity, the use of sodium selenite in dietary supplements is regulated, and it is generally considered less preferable compared to organic forms of selenium, such as selenium yeast.
+Sodium selenite is used in [[animal feed]] and [[human dietary supplements]] to prevent selenium deficiency. It is also employed in [[glass manufacturing]] to decolorize glass and in the production of [[selenium-containing pigments]]. In [[biochemistry]], sodium selenite is used as a source of selenium in cell culture media.
-==Health and Safety==
+== Safety and Toxicity ==
-Sodium selenite is toxic in high doses. Selenium toxicity can occur if supplements are taken in excess or if there is accidental overexposure in industrial settings. Symptoms of selenium toxicity include nausea, vomiting, nail discoloration, and in severe cases, hair loss and neurological damage. It is important to handle sodium selenite with care and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent overexposure.
+While selenium is essential in small amounts, sodium selenite can be toxic at higher concentrations. Overexposure can lead to [[selenosis]], a condition characterized by symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, hair loss, and neurological damage. It is important to handle sodium selenite with care and adhere to recommended dietary allowances.
-==Environmental Impact==
+== Related Pages ==
-Selenium compounds, including sodium selenite, can have adverse effects on the environment if not managed properly. Selenium is a micronutrient for many organisms but can be toxic in higher concentrations. It can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems, leading to toxicity in aquatic life. Therefore, the discharge of selenium-containing compounds into the environment is regulated in many jurisdictions.
-==Regulation==
-The use of sodium selenite in animal feeds and dietary supplements is subject to regulation by various governmental agencies to ensure safety and efficacy. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the addition of selenium to animal feeds and dietary supplements, setting maximum allowable concentrations to prevent selenium toxicity.
-==See Also==
 * [[Selenium]]
-* [[Selenium dioxide]]
+* [[Selenoprotein]]
-* [[Selenium in biology]]
+* [[Glutathione peroxidase]]
-* [[Dietary supplement]]
+* [[Selenosis]]
 [[Category:Inorganic compounds]]
 [[Category:Selenium compounds]]
 [[Category:Dietary supplements]]
-[[Category:Animal feed additives]]
-{{Chemistry-stub}}
-{{medicine-stub}}