Natural Medical SolutionsSelenium is a nutrient your body needs to stay healthy. It helps your thyroid gland work, supports reproduction, and protects your cells. You can get enough of this mineral by eating a variety of healthy foods.
What is selenium?
Selenium is a mineral that plays a key role in your health. Your thyroid gland relies on it to make hormones and function well. It is also needed to make DNA, resist infection, and protect your cells from damage.
What are the selenium benefits?
Scientists study selenium to see how it affects many health conditions. Research shows that getting selenium from food might lower the risk of some cancers. However, studies show that supplements do not lower the risk of prostate cancer or heart disease.
Some research links low selenium levels to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and thyroid issues. Despite this, it is not clear if taking supplements helps these conditions. More research is needed to understand how selenium affects these health problems.
What is the recommended selenium dosage?
Your daily need depends on your age. Most adults need 55 mcg each day. Pregnant women need 60 mcg, and those breastfeeding need 70 mcg.
You should not exceed the daily upper limit of 400 mcg for adults. This limit includes all sources, such as food, drinks, and supplements. Some experts suggest lower limits, such as 255 mcg for adults.
What are the side effects of selenium?
Getting too much selenium over time can be harmful. High amounts from supplements or foods like Brazil nuts can cause problems. Common signs of too much selenium include:
- Garlic breath
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Hair loss
- Brittle nails or nail loss
- Skin rash
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Extreme tiredness
Very high amounts can lead to severe issues like heart or kidney failure. It can even cause heart attacks or death in rare cases.
Who should not take selenium?
Most people in the United States get enough selenium from their diet. Certain groups may struggle to get enough, such as those on kidney dialysis or people living with HIV. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements to ensure they are right for you.
Does selenium have drug interactions?
Yes, selenium can interact with some medicines. For example, the chemotherapy drug cisplatin can lower your selenium levels. The effect of this on your body is not yet clear.
Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements or medicines you take. They can check if your medicines interfere with how your body uses nutrients.
Does Selenium interact with any medications?
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking selenium if you take any prescription medicine. The list below is not complete.
This chemotherapy drug can lower the levels of selenium in your body. The impact of this change is not yet clear.
Common questions about selenium
What foods provide selenium?
Can I get too much selenium?
Do I need a selenium supplement?
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Where this information comes from
Written from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, a public-domain resource from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Information retrieved 2026-08-21.
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