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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Vitamin D3 wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
18 of 23 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
15 of 26 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Selenium and Vitamin D3 have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
100-200mcg
With food
Selenomethionine (best absorbed)
2000-4000 IU daily
Morning with breakfast
D3 (cholecalciferol) softgel or liquid
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
Selenium, antioxidants, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2020) · Meta analysis · n=9423
However, a decreased risk with antioxidant mixtures was seen for CVD mortality when selenium was part of the mix (RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.97; P = 0.02), with no association when selenium was absent.
Selenium for preventing cancer
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2018) · Meta analysis · n=27232
For analyses of RCTs with low risk of bias, the summary risk ratio (RR) for any cancer incidence was 1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93 to 1.10; 3 studies, 19,475 participants; high-certainty evidence).
Selenium and prostate cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2012) · Meta analysis · n=13254
Three high-quality studies included in the meta-analysis of toenail selenium and cancer risk indicated a reduction in prostate cancer risk (estimated RR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.61) with a toenail selenium concentration between 0.85 and 0.94 μg/g.
Vitamin D supplementation vs. placebo and incident type 2 diabetes in an ancillary study of the randomized Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial
Nature communications (2025) · Meta analysis · n=5205
Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.5 kg/m2 (SD = 5.3), with 51% female and 17% Black race/ethnicity.
Vitamin D Supplementation for Patients with Dysmenorrhoea: A Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=687
TSA revealed that the current RCTs provide sufficient information.
Vitamin D and respiratory tract infections
BMJ (2017) · Meta analysis · n=11321
12% reduction in respiratory infections overall
Based on Cochrane systematic review showing moderate-certainty evidence for TPO antibody reduction. Effects on thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T4, T3) were inconsistent across studies.
Meta-analysis showed 12% overall reduction in respiratory infections, with greater benefits in severely deficient individuals. Daily dosing more effective than bolus. Conservative estimate assumes most users not severely deficient.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Vitamin D3 has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 9/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For support immune system, Vitamin D3 has a higher relevance score (92 vs 70).
No known interactions between Selenium and Vitamin D3 have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.