Selenium

Safety and Pitfalls

• Excess intake risks selenosis; avoid chronic high doses[623,765,1003, etc.]
• Potential side effect: brittle nails[623,765,1003, etc.]
• Potential side effect: metallic taste at high dose[623,765,1003, etc.]
• ODS safety note: In addition, selenium deficiency may increase the risk of congenital hypothyroidism in infants by exacerbating iodine deficiency.[623,765,1003, etc.]
• ODS safety note: A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 studies found that selenium supplements (doses not indicated) reduce the risk of Keshan disease by 86% [ 38 ].[623,765,1003, etc.]
• ODS safety note: Selenium deficiency could exacerbate iodine deficiency, potentially increasing the risk of congenital hypothyroidism in infants [ 3 , 8 ].[623,765,1003, etc.]
• ODS safety note: Groups at Risk of Selenium Inadequacy Although selenium deficiency is uncommon in the United States, some groups of people have a higher risk of inadequate intakes.[623,765,1003, etc.]
• ODS safety note: These groups include people who live in selenium-deficient regions, those undergoing kidney dialysis, and those living with HIV.[623,765,1003, etc.]
• ODS safety note: However, people in some countries whose diet consists primarily of vegetables grown in low-selenium areas are at risk of deficiency [ 13 ].[623,765,1003, etc.]
• ODS safety note: People undergoing kidney dialysis Selenium concentrations are often significantly lower in patients who are undergoing long-term hemodialysis than in healthy individuals partly because hemodialysis removes some selenium from the blood [ 43-46 ].[623,765,1003, etc.]
• ODS safety note: In addition, hemodialysis patients are at risk of low dietary selenium intakes due to anorexia resulting from uremia and dietary restrictions [ 44 , 46 , 47 ].[623,765,1003, etc.]
• ODS interaction note: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed DVs to help consumers compare the nutrient contents of foods and dietary supplements within the context of a total diet.[623,765,1003, etc.]
• ODS interaction note: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed two qualified health claims that some scientific evidence suggests consumption of selenium “may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer” and “may produce anticarcinogenic effects.” However, FDA determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive [ 65 ].[623,765,1003, etc.]
• ODS interaction note: Interactions with Medications Selenium supplements may interact with medications.[623,765,1003, etc.]
• Legacy caution group: Those already consuming Brazil nuts regularly (very high selenium)[623,765,1003, etc.]
• Legacy caution group: Don't exceed 400mcg/day total[623,765,1003, etc.]