Selenium Toxicity

Selenium is a non-metallic element (mineral) that is essential for proper functioning of our body. Our body gets selenium mainly through diet. The selenium content in a food item depends upon where the food is cultivated, because selenium content in soil varies from place to place. Let us first take a look at the advantages of selenium intake.

Selenium Benefits

• Along with vitamin E, it helps prevent acne and even skin cancer. Selenium helps reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
• Selenium provides protein and makes cells stronger. Besides, in its presence, the body can efficiently use oxygen. This improves your overall health.
• Selenium exhibits antioxidant properties which are helpful in various ways. It is used to treat heart diseases, atherosclerosis, stroke, etc. It protects you from viruses that cause cold sores and shingles.
• Selenium helps prevent serious health complications and death from serious head injuries, burns, critical illnesses.
• It cancels the effects of free radicals on the body and offers you glowing skin, healthy scalp and strong hair. Thus it can be called 'anti-aging mineral'.
• Along with heart diseases and stroke, selenium helps prevent HIV and AIDS, miscarriages, arthritis, macular degeneration, cataracts, gray hair, mood disorders and several other diseases like cancer, thyroid disorder.

Selenium Overdose

For U.S. citizens, recommended average daily intake of selenium is 125 mcg. A daily intake of about 55 mcg is also sufficient for a healthy individual. Excessive consumption of selenium or long term use of selenium supplements can prove to be toxic for the body. Studies show that about 800 micrograms of selenium per day (or 15 micrograms per kilogram body weight) can be considered as safe dietary intake. There might be confusion regarding the toxicity levels; but experts advise not to exceed 400 micrograms of selenium per day. Knowing about the recommended dietary allowance of selenium helps avoid side effects of selenium. It also helps avoid imbalance of nutrients in the body. It should be noted that a small dose of 5 milligram (5000 µg) selenium per day can prove to be lethal for many of us.

Symptoms of Selenium Toxicity

The condition experienced after excessive consumption of selenium is referred to as 'selenosis'. Symptoms of selenosis are

• Nausea, vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in abdomen
• Diarrhea
• Increased stress, increased irritability
• Mental confusion, depression
• Skin rash, dermatitis
• Swelling, facial flushing,
• Bitter taste in mouth
• Garlic breath odor
• Breathing difficulty
• Thick nails or loss of nails leading to increased infections
• Liver problems
• Affected heart health
• Loss of energy, increased fatigue
• Dry hair, hair loss
• Kidney problems
• Muscle tenderness
• Tremor, lightheadedness
• Problems related to blood clotting
• With long-term use of selenium supplements you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should stop taking selenium supplements. Since selenium toxicity can prove to be life-threatening (if neglected), you should immediately contact your doctor for proper treatment, in case you notice any of the above symptoms. The above symptoms need prompt medical attention. Children should not be given selenium supplements. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should not opt for selenium supplements.

Vegetables grown in selenium deficient soil do not contain adequate quantity of selenium, required to meet the minimum daily requirement. You should opt for organic vegetables and fruits, as they can provide enough selenium. Brazil nuts, various types of fresh and salt-water fish, eggs, crabs and lobsters are good sources of selenium. Chances of suffering from toxicity are higher if you consume excessive selenium through selenium supplements. Consumption of selenium-rich foods, usually, does not result in toxicity. Some foods like Brazil nuts are very high in selenium and can cause toxicity. You should therefore consult a physician before opting for selenium supplements. The physician can guide you regarding a reliable brand and the dosage. You should inform the physician about your routine medications as selenium might interfere with some medications. This is necessary to avoid the side effects of selenium.