What is Selenium?
Selenium is a mineral found in soil, water and some foods. Selenium deficiency can occur in areas were soil content of selenium is low, and may affect thyroid function and cause conditions like Keshan disease. Gastrointestinal disorders (like irritable bowel syndrome) may decrease the body's ability to absorb selenium. Selenium may be destroyed when foods are refined or processed.
Side Effects
Extremely high levels of selenium (chronic toxicity) may cause: abdominal pain, anorexia, behavioral problems (in children), death, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, disruption of endocrine function (like production of thyroid hormones), fatigue, fever, fingernail loss, garlic-like breath, heart problems, hyperreflexia, immune-system problems, irritability, low blood platelets, metallic taste, kidney damage, muscle soreness, nausea, neuromuscular-psychiatric disorders, rash, reduced sperm mo...
Reactions / Interactions
Cholesterol-lowering agents, niacin, corticosteroids, chemotherapy/radiation therapy, antacids, birth control pills, erythropoietin (EPO), clozapine, antioxidants, vitamin C, and other herbs or supplements with similar effects.
What is Selenium?
Selenium is a mineral found in soil, water and some foods. Selenium deficiency can occur in areas were soil content of selenium is low, and may affect thyroid function and cause conditions like Keshan disease. Gastrointestinal disorders (like irritable bowel syndrome) may decrease the body's ability to absorb selenium. Selenium may be destroyed when foods are refined or processed.
Side Effects
Extremely high levels of selenium (chronic toxicity) may cause: abdominal pain, anorexia, behavioral problems (in children), death, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, disruption of endocrine function (like production of thyroid hormones), fatigue, fever, fingernail loss, garlic-like breath, heart problems, hyperreflexia, immune-system problems, irritability, low blood platelets, metallic taste, kidney damage, muscle soreness, nausea, neuromuscular-psychiatric disorders, rash, reduced sperm motility, tremors, vomiting, weakness, worsened thyroid disorder.
Extreme low levels
of selenium may cause: coronary artery disease, heart disease, kidney failure.
Reactions / Interactions
Cholesterol-lowering agents, niacin, corticosteroids, chemotherapy/radiation therapy, antacids, birth control pills, erythropoietin (EPO), clozapine, antioxidants, vitamin C, and other herbs or supplements with similar effects.
Safety
Avoid if allergic or sensitive to products containing selenium. Avoid with history of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Selenium is generally regarded as safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, animal research reports that large doses of selenium may lead to birth defects.
Dosage
Adults (18 years and older)
U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults (oral): 80-200mcg. Specifically: 55mcg for female adults; 70mcg for male adults; 40-70mcg for teenage males, 45-55mcg for teenage females; 65mcg for pregnant females; 75mcg for breastfeeding females.
Maximum Daily Dose (taken by mouth): 400mcg has been taken daily for those older than 14 years old (including adults and the elderly).
Children (18 years and younger)
U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for infants and children (taken by mouth): 10mcg for 0-6 months; 15mcg daily for 6-12 months; 20mcg for 1-6 years; 30mcg for 7-10 years; 45 mcg for 11-14 years; 50mcg for 5-18 years. Adequate intake for infants up to six months old may be 2.1mcg/kg/day, and for infants 7-12 months may be 2.2mcg/kg/day.
Maximum daily dose (taken by mouth): 45mcg for 0-6 months; 60mcg for 7-12 months; 90mcg for 1-3 years; 150mcg for 4-8 years; 280mcg for 9-13 years.
Evidence
Condition: Antioxidant Grade: B
Condition: Keshan disease (heart disease caused be extremely low selenium status) Grade: B
Condition: Prostate cancer prevention Grade: B
Condition: Asthma Grade: C
Condition: Cancer treatment Grade: C
Condition: Cataracts Grade: C
Condition: Chemotherapy side effects Grade: C
Condition: Cystic fibrosis Grade: C
Condition: Dandruff Grade: C
Condition: Dialysis Grade: C
Condition: Heart disease Grade: C
Condition: HIV/AIDS Grade: C
Condition: Infection prevention Grade: C
Condition: Intracranial (in the brain) pressure symptoms Grade: C
Condition: Liver disease Grade: C
Condition: Infertility Grade: C
Condition: Low birth weight Grade: C
Condition: Lymphedema (swollen lymph nodes) Grade: C
Condition: Malabsorption (poor absorption) Grade: C
Condition: Myotonic dystrophy (neuromuscular disorder) Grade: C
Condition: Pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas) Grade: C
Condition: Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) Grade: C
Condition: Psoriasis Grade: C
Condition: Rheumatoid arthritis Grade: C
Condition: Sepsis (infection in the blood) Grade: C
Condition: Sunburn prevention Grade: C
Condition: Thyroid conditions Grade: C
Condition: Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) Grade: C
Condition: Tinea versicolor (fungal infection of the skin) Grade: C
Condition: Colorectal cancer prevention Grade: D
Condition: Kashin-beck osteoarthropathy (disease of joints and bones) Grade: D
Condition: Lung cancer prevention Grade: D
Condition: Muscular dystrophy Grade: D
Condition: Osteoarthritis Grade: D
Condition: Skin cancer (nonmelanoma) prevention Grade: D
Disclaimer: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
"Content Licensed by Natural Standard. Copyright 2009 by Natural Standard Corporation."
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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