Does Selenium Thin The Blood?

Blood transports nutrients, gases and waste throughout the body, and it supports wound healing. This vital liquid contains five components, which are red blood cells, plasma, platelets, white blood cells and cryoprecipitate. Various medical conditions or medications may thin blood, and while this is the purpose of certain medications, if your blood becomes too thin you may experience adverse side effects. Selenium is a mineral that you consume through diet; its primary responsibility is to enhance the action of antioxidants. Research suggests that selenium might possibly thin your blood, so you should talk to your doctor before enhancing your selenium intake or combining with other blood-thinning medications and supplements.

Effect on Blood Thickness

Preliminary evidence suggests that selenium might affect blood thickness. Traditionally, selenium is not used as a blood thinner, as this biological response is not scientifically proven to be substantial or prominent in every person. Since selenium supplementation is often accompanied by vitamin E to promote the effectiveness of antioxidants, blood thinning may be a result of the vitamin E supplement, not the selenium. Vitamin E is known to prevent blood platelets from sticking together, which thins the blood. Even though preliminary findings suggest that selenium is capable of thinning blood, more research is required to determine the magnitude and biological process of selenium on blood thickness.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is defined as the accumulation of plaque along artery walls, which over time leads to hardened arteries and narrowed passageways through which the blood moves. A study published in August 1998 in "Circulation Research" found that the combination of vitamin E and selenium inhibited the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits by reducing plasma cholesterol concentrations. The website LifeExtensionVitamins suggests that a combination of magnesium and selenium may help thin the blood and hinder platelet aggregation, which allows blood to flow freely even in narrowed arteries. While these findings are in the preliminary stages, it is promising that selenium may play a role in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis by reducing blood cholesterol levels and thinning the blood.

Recommended Intake

The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that males and females over 15 should consume 55 mcg of selenium per day. Pregnant women should consume 60 mcg per day, while lactating women should take 70 mcg of selenium per day. Selenium is found in dietary sources such as fish, wheat germ, Brazil nuts, whole grains and sunflower seeds, or it is taken as a supplement. Selenium supplements typically use a form of selenium known as selenomethionine, which is absorbed in the same manner as dietary selenium.

Safety Considerations

Due to the possibility of adverse drug interactions, you should discuss the use of selenium supplements with your doctor if you're taking medications. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that selenium supplementation of 200 mcg or more per day can increase your risk of developing diabetes. Side effects of selenium overdose include fatigue, irritability, weight loss, skin rash and fingernail loss.