HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Is The Chemical Formula For Selenious Acid?

default
Posted on Wed, 28 May 2014
Question: Hi-
What is the chemical formula for "selenious acid" vs. hydrogen selenite, selenium dioxide, and "selenous acid?
The MTE-5 (R) that is added to my neice's TPN (she can take NOTHING by mouth, and is on long-term TPN) has what is called "selenious acid" in the trace elements. I'm a pharmacist, and the only thing I can find with this spelling is an environmental toxin with workplace Hazadous Substance Fact Sheet!
Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Non toxic

Detailed Answer:
Selenous acid is the chemical compound with the formula H2SeO3 or (HO)2SeO. where as selenium dioxide is SeO2.
Each 1ml of MTE-5 delivers 20mcg of selenium, so 10ml delivers 200mcg. Do not be confused. These trace elements are very small in quantity and they are used as oxidizing or dissolving agents. It has H2SeO3. You can calculate how much selenium is being delivered and check if it is toxic to the patient.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (39 hours later)
Dear Dr. Mazumdar,
Thank you for the reply, however, you did not address the "SelenIous vs.
Selenous" acid difference, which was at the heart of the question.

I am aware that the MTE-4 (4 multiple trace elements) for TPN do NOT have "selenium"
and that the MTE-5 ( 5 multiple trace elements) for TPN DO have selenium.

Currently, American Reagent(R) is the only company supplying MTE 4 or 5.
Their product sheet, and the labels on their bottles say:
"Selenium (as SenenIous acid) 60mcg" (in the MTE-5 concentrate, which is
what our supplying Pharmacy uses.

All the other trace elements (zinc, copper, manganese and chromium)
are present as either the sulfate or the chloride.

Are you saying that "selenIous acid" = "selenous acid" = hydrated selenium dioxide? The chemical formula's for the 2 examples you gave don't equal
each other...confusing. Perhaps I should be consulting a chemist.

Finally, the selenium is not added as an OXidizing agent--it functions in the body as a reducing agent, and is involved in restoring one of our primary defenses
against free radicals--very important in those fighting cancer with ionizing
radiation or chemotherapy. There are many anti-oxidant elements and enzyme systems, eg. vitamin E, vitamin C, etc. But the glutathione redox system in the liver is one of the most powerful, and there are both selenium-dependent and selenium-independent forms. Without selenium, part of the glutathione system in inactive. The GSSH and the SOD (superoxide dismutase) systems are both needed daily by everyone, but esp. by those under oxidative stress.

My question had to do with the type of selenium my neice is getting.
Since there has been "a nationwide shortage" of trace elements (and WHICH
trace elements has never been delineated to me), I was at first happy that
trace elements had become available. But I became concerned
when I saw that the selenium was described as "as SelenIOUS acid."
Your answer did not address the nature or chemical
compound called selenIOUS acid.
Thank you.


doctor
Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (32 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Apology.

Detailed Answer:
Sorry, I mistyped it as oxidizing agent and I mean it helps reducing. My apologies.

Other parts I was not taught completely. I may not be right person to answer.

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2242 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Is The Chemical Formula For Selenious Acid?

Brief Answer: Non toxic Detailed Answer: Selenous acid is the chemical compound with the formula H2SeO3 or (HO)2SeO. where as selenium dioxide is SeO2. Each 1ml of MTE-5 delivers 20mcg of selenium, so 10ml delivers 200mcg. Do not be confused. These trace elements are very small in quantity and they are used as oxidizing or dissolving agents. It has H2SeO3. You can calculate how much selenium is being delivered and check if it is toxic to the patient.