Selenium, an essential mineral, facilitates normal cell function, makes our DNA and protects us from infections, cell damage and other health issues.

It is also essential for your thyroid health. A healthy intake of the mineral has been shown to reduce the risk of Hashimoto's, Graves, and thyroid cancer.

Clearly, selenium is essential. However, you don't need to consume a lot of it. Our bodies only need a small amount of selenium. You can get enough by eating one Brazil nut per week.

However, too many selenium-rich foods and too many supplements can lead to serious health problems.

Selenium deficiency in America is very rare due to the fact that our soil is rich. Selenium is abundant in American food and supplementation could easily increase your daily intake.

Nonetheless, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements reports that nearly half of Americans take a daily supplement containing selenium. Adults over 19 years old should consume 55 micrograms daily. Only exceptions are women who are pregnant or lactating. They require 60 to 70 micrograms each day.

This is a fairly easy range to reach with most regular diets. It also means that if you take a supplement containing selenium, it's possible to get too much of it without realizing.

One study that examined an outbreak of selenium toxicemia found that the source of the problem was a liquid dietary supplement containing 200 times its labeled amount.

This mislabeled product was able to make it onto the shelves partly because the supplement industry doesn't have the same regulatory framework as the pharmaceutical industry.

RELATED I Found A Probiotic After Years of Digestive Discomfort

For adults, any amount exceeding 400 micrograms per day (including those who are pregnant or lactating) can lead to health problems such as muscle tremors and lightheadedness. Chronically high levels of selenium can lead to a heart attack and kidney failure in severe cases.

Brazil nuts are a favorite food so make sure your supplements do not contain any extra selenium. Brazil nuts have the highest levels of selenium, so if you only eat one of them (each nut contains 96 micrograms), you will be well over the daily recommended intake.

This can be good for your thyroid health. However, too many Brazil nuts can lead to toxic levels in your body.

Seafood and organ meats are two other foods that contain high levels of selenium. Also, protein foods from animals, breads, cereals and red meat are good sources of selenium.

The bottom line is that it is always a good idea for you to consult your doctor before taking any supplements, and to carefully read the ingredients.

More from Suggest

• If you notice this, throw your supplements away immediately
• A Study has shown that iron supplements could cause heart failure.
• This herbal supplement may be able to dramatically reduce inflammation and joint pain

-----------------------------------

By: Perry Carpenter
Title: Too Much Of This Common Supplement Can Cause Fatigue, Joint Pain, And Even Hair Loss
Sourced From: www.suggest.com/selenium-toxicity-supplement-caution/2702788/
Published Date: Sun, 11 Dec 2022 20:35:00 +0000

Read More