Health Library

Selenium

Image for selenium Selenium is an essential trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant—a substance that protects the body's cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are normal by-products of metabolism, but they can cause cellular damage.

What Does Selenium Do?

Selenium's functions include:

  • Acting as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase
  • Stimulating immune function
  • Ensuring proper function of the thyroid gland
  • Aiding cellular growth

How Much Should I Take?

Age Group Recommended Dietary Allowance micrograms/day (mcg/day)
Male Female
0-6 months No RDA; Adequate Intake (AI) = 15 No RDA; AI = 15
7-12 months No RDA; AI = 20 No RDA; AI = 20
1-3 years 20 20
4-8 years 30 30
9-13 years 40 40
14 years and older 55 55
Pregnancy n/a 60
Lactation n/a 70

What If I Do Not Get Enough Selenium?

Symptoms of selenium deficiency may include:

  • Enlarged heart
  • Heart disease
  • Bone and joint diseases
  • Altered thyroid function
  • Muscle weakness ans wasting
  • Intellectual disability
  • Weakened immune system

Groups of people who may be at risk for selenium deficiency include:

  • People living in areas where the soil is very low in selenium, such as parts of China and Russia
  • People with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, that may decrease absorption of selenium
  • People receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)—now most receive selenium supplementation

Can Too Much Selenium Be Toxic?

The government has set the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for selenium at 400 mcg for people ≥ 14 years of age. Selenium toxicity is rare in the United States. However, when it occurs, symptoms may include:

  • Garlicky breath
  • Hair loss
  • General weakness
  • Stomach upset
  • Irritability
  • White, blotchy nails
  • Mild nerve damage

Where Can I Find Selenium?

Major food sources of selenium include:

  • Brazil nuts—from selenium-rich soil
  • Shrimp
  • Crab meat
  • Tuna
  • Halibut
  • Noodles, enriched
  • Rice, brown
  • Chicken, pork, and beef
  • Whole wheat bread

How Can Selenium Affect My Health?

Cancer

Some studies that have examined selenium intakes and blood selenium levels effect on cancer. Some of these studies have suggested that people with greater intakes of selenium are less likely to develop cancer or to die from cancer if they already have it. However, other studies have not found selenium to be protective for cancers. If selenium affects cancer, it is thought to be due to its action as an antioxidant. Also, it may be that selenium helps stimulate the immune system, making it better able to fight cancer.

Heart Disease

In population studies, people with low intakes of selenium have been found to have a greater incidence of heart disease, while those with adequate selenium intakes have lower risks for heart disease.

Again, selenium's action as an antioxidant is likely the means by which it protects the heart. Selenium and other antioxidants help limit the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. This oxidation leads to plaque build-up on artery walls, and subsequently, heart disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Free radicals can promote inflammation and destroy cartilage and collagen in joints, contributing to the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. As an antioxidant, selenium can help limit free radical production and therefore ease the pain of arthritis.

Tips for Increasing Your Selenium Intake

  • For a simple lunch, open a can of tuna and make a sandwich on whole wheat bread.
  • Choose fish or seafood for dinner 2-3 times per week.
  • Choose lean meats for entrees.
  • Select a breakfast cereal that is rich in nutrients. Check the nutrition facts label on the side.
  • Choose brown rice over white, and whole wheat or rye bread over white.

Resources

Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov

Eat Right—Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
http://www.eatright.org

Canadian Resources

Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca

Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca

References

Dietary supplement fact sheet: selenium. Office of Dietary Supplements website. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional.

Lippman SM, Klein EA, Goodman PJ, et al. Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancers: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). JAMA. 2009;301(1):39-51.

Selenium. EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/biomedical-libraries/natural-alternative-treatments.

Selenium. Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute website. Available at: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/selenium.

  • EBSCO Medical Review Board
  • 20220207