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  • Selenium is a mineral that is beneficial to human life. It can be consumed naturally in foods or taken orally as a dietary supplement. The supplemental form of selenium can be found in a selenium supplement pill, in a multivitamin, or in a multi-supplement formula such as a pill or powder.

    Definition

    The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) identifies selenium as a mineral that is vital for optimal health, but which is only needed in trace amounts. Selenium is essential to the development of selenoproteins, which have antioxidant properties that combat free radicals.

    Dosage

    Selenium dosage is based upon the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for selenium. According to the Mayo Clinic, the RDA for selenium is: Adult and teenagers: 40 to 70 micrograms (mcg) Pregnant women: 65mcg Breast-feeding females: 75mcg Children age seven to 10: 30mcg Children age four to six: 20mcg Children age three and younger: 10 to 20mcg

    Benefits

    Selenium is vital to maintaining a healthy body by aiding the immune system. According to ODS, selenium has been shown to ward off or slow growth in certain types of cancers, lower low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

    Interactions

    The Mayo Clinic warns of the potential adverse interaction of selenium supplements when used with the medicine eltrombopag. Kidney and stomach problems increase the level of selenium in the blood, therefore selenium supplements are not recommended for people with these health problems.

    Side Effects/Overdose

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that an overdoes in selenium is toxic to the body. Symptoms of selenium toxicity are blistering skin, joint pain, fatigue, hair loss, gastrointestinal pain and fingernail changes.

    Considerations

    Exceeding RDA limits may result in overdose. Consult with a physician before taking a selenium supplement.

    Source:

    Office of Dietary Supplements: Selenium Fact Sheet

    Mayo Clinic: Selenium Supplement (Oral Route)

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Toxic Levels of Selenium in Dietary Supplements

    Resource:

    Drugs.com: Selenium Supplement Consumer Information

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