Selenium yeast is a form of selenium supplementation where the mineral is organically bound to yeast, improving its bioavailability compared to inorganic selenium salts. The use of selenium yeast in hepatitis—particularly chronic viral hepatitis such as hepatitis B and C—is justified by some scientific evidence, though it is not robust or universally accepted.

Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties, mainly through its role in selenoproteins like glutathione peroxidase. Research has demonstrated that patients with chronic hepatitis often have lower selenium levels, and oxidative stress is a known contributor to liver injury in hepatitis. Some clinical trials and animal studies have suggested that selenium supplementation, including selenium yeast, may help reduce liver damage, improve liver function markers, and modulate immune responses in hepatitis patients. For example, a few small-scale studies in China have shown that selenium yeast can reduce hepatitis B virus replication and improve liver enzyme levels. However, these studies are often limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and methodological issues.

Major liver and hepatitis guidelines do not currently recommend selenium yeast as a standard therapy due to insufficient high-quality evidence. At present, the use of selenium yeast for hepatitis is supported by preliminary scientific findings, but more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.