Selenium

Selenium, while not a nootropic in itself, is trace mineral that is naturally present in various types of plants and nuts. The problem with this is that while most may have these foods in their diets due to stripping of natural minerals in the agricultural process these sources provide far less than the optimal amount for human performance optimization. When paired with the mineral Iodine, which is absolutely vital for thyroid function, it increases Iodine absorption. Selenium is known to play a critical role in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, protection from oxidative damage and infection, it can also help prevent Keshan Disease which is associated with male infertility. Because it’s an antioxidant, it may play a role in cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and thyroid disease which is why the Alchemy team found it irreplaceable in our search for the optimal brain enhancing drink.

Chen J. An original discovery: selenium deficiency and Keshan disease (an endemic heart disease). Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(3):320-326.

Berr C, Balansard B, Arnaud J, Roussel AM, Alpérovitch A. Cognitive decline is associated with systemic oxidative stress: the EVA study. Etude du Vieillissement Artériel. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2000;48(10):1285-1291. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2000.tb02603.x