Symptoms of Selenium Deficiency
Selenium is necessary to help prevent and treat a number of infections, viruses and diseases, with a lack of selenium linked to potentially fatal viral mutations. In Healing Supplements, Lakin et al. highlight symptoms associated with selenium deficiency, to include the following:
Additional symptoms of selenium deficiency, as identified by Brewer in The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, include as follows:
Health Benefits of Selenium Supplements
Selenium supplements are primarily helpful for boosting the immune system and are also used to treat a variety of ailments. Brewer highlights key health benefits associated with taking selenium as a nutritional supplement, to include the following:
Selenium Supplements – Dosage and Side Effects
The usual dosage of selenium supplements is between 100-200 mcg daily; however, the current EU recommended daily amount (RDA) is 55 mcg, while the UK recommended intake is 60 mcg for women and 75 mcg for men. Selenium supplements are available from health food stores and pharmacies in both capsule and tablet form.
According to Lakin et al., those taking high intakes of selenium, such as over 800 mcg a day, may suffer side-effects, including the following:
Further possible side-effects associated with selenium toxicity, as recognised by Brewer, include black fingernails, dizziness and a metallic taste in the mouth. Before taking selenium and other nutritional or herbal supplements, it is worth first discussing dosage and potential side-effects with the family doctor.
As highlighted above, selenium deficiency may cause fatigue, skin disease, fertility and thyroid problems. Health benefits of taking selenium supplements, include improved immunity, increased cancer protection, lower levels of heart disease, senility and Alzheimer's.
