Selenium: Why Too Much Of A Good Thing Can Be Bad

When it comes to losing weight and using mineral supplements to speed up weight loss, less is definitely more. Taking too much selenium, an essential trace mineral, can be hazardous to your health. However, in small amounts, selenium helps you lose weight by revving up your thyroid hormone metabolism.

Don't exceed recommended dietary allowance

Whether you are taking vitamins, herbal products or minerals, it's wise to never exceed the recommended dosage. If you ingest too much selenium through natural forms or supplements, you may end up with brittle nails, cognitive difficulties, bad breath and intestinal problems.

Most adults should not take more than 55 micrograms of selenium a day. If you are pregnant, you may need up to 60 micrograms, while breastfeeding women need as much as 70 micrograms.

People who do not get enough selenium may be diagnosed with Keshan disease, which is fatal. Selenium is critical for proper heart muscle function. People who are deficient in selenium may be at higher risk for cancer.

A board of nutrition with the National Academy of Sciences recommends between 50 to 300 micrograms of selenium.

People who are exposed to selenium vapors experience dangerous respiratory effects as well as fatigue and dizziness. Over-exposure can also cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Scientists say overexposure to selenium also affects the animal population by decreasing sperm production and damaging the female reproductive system. While the same problem has not been linked to humans, it's wise to avoid over-exposure to selenium if you are trying to conceive.

Try natural sources first

Your best sources of selenium include kidney and liver meats, seafood, grains, seeds and mushrooms. Selenium enters food sources most often through the soil and rocks.

But with the era of technology and manufacturing, selenium has become common in the environment through agriculture and industrial waste. It also enters the air through the burning of coal and oil.

An answer to thyroid problems

Since most people are exposed to selenium through food and air, it's unlikely you are deficient in the essential mineral. See your doctor to get tested for thyroid problems before taking a weight-loss supplement with selenium as a key ingredient.

Scientists have found selenium may protect against goiter, which is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. A properly functioning and healthy thyroid is critical to good health. It's difficult to lose weight if your thyroid is not functioning at optimal levels. As an interesting trivia point, a high concentration of selenium can be found in a healthy thyroid.

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