Selenium is an essential element. It is a cofactor required to maintain activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of organic hydroperoxides. The absence of selenium correlates with loss of GSH-Px activity and is associated with damage to cell membranes due to accumulation of free radicals.
The normal daily dietary intake of selenium is 0.01 to 0.04 parts per million (ppm), which is similar to the typical content of soil (0.05 ppm) and sea water (0.09 ppm). Selenium is found in many over-the-counter vitamin preparations because its antioxidant activity is thought to be anticarcinogenic. There is no supporting evidence that selenium suppresses cancer.
In humans, cardiac muscle is the most susceptible to selenium deficiency. With cell membrane damage, normal cells are replaced by fibroblasts. This condition is known as cardiomyopathy and is characterized by an enlarged heart whose muscle is largely replaced by fibrous tissue.
What does it mean if your Selenium result is too high?
Elevated Selenium Levels: Understanding Selenosis
Elevated selenium levels in a blood test, a condition known as selenosis, can indicate excessive selenium intake. This excess may result from over-supplementation, consuming foods high in selenium, or living in areas with elevated selenium concentrations in the soil and water. Symptoms of selenium toxicity can include:
→ Gastrointestinal disturbances
→ Hair loss
→ White blotchy nails
→ Garlic breath odor
→ Fatigue
→ Irritability
→ Mild nerve damage
Possible Treatment Options for Elevated Selenium Levels
If you are experiencing elevated selenium levels, consider the following treatment options:
- Discontinuation of Selenium Supplements: Immediately stop taking selenium supplements if they are identified as the source of excess selenium.
- Dietary Modification: Reduce the intake of selenium-rich foods, such as Brazil nuts, seafood, and organ meats.
- Hydration: Increase fluid intake to help flush excess selenium from the body.
- Medical Supervision: Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is essential to track selenium levels and manage any symptoms of toxicity.
- Chelation Therapy: In severe cases, chelation therapy may be recommended. This treatment involves administering agents that bind to selenium and assist in its removal from the body.
- Symptomatic Treatment: Address specific symptoms caused by selenium toxicity, such as gastrointestinal issues or nerve damage, with appropriate medications and supportive care.
Consultation with Healthcare Professionals
It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and to develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and selenium levels.
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What does it mean if your Selenium result is too low?
In the United States, selenium deficiency is related to use of total parenteral nutrition. This is therapy administered to patients with no functional bowel, such as after surgical removal of the small and large intestine because of cancer or because of acute inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn disease.
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