Selenium, a trace element found in the whole blood, is a significant component of the Toxic and Essential Elements panel, offering vital insights into an individual's nutritional status and potential toxic exposure. As an essential micronutrient, selenium is crucial for various bodily functions, most notably its role in the synthesis of selenoproteins, which includes important antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases. These enzymes play a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, thereby contributing to immune system function and thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium's optimal range in the body is narrow: both deficiency and excess can lead to health issues. Deficiency of selenium can lead to impaired immune function, hypothyroidism, and in severe cases, Keshan disease—a potentially fatal form of cardiomyopathy. Conversely, excessive selenium intake can result in selenosis, characterized by symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, hair loss, and neurological abnormalities. The measurement of selenium levels in whole blood provides a more accurate reflection of both short-term dietary intake and long-term body stores compared to serum or plasma testing. This makes it an essential tool for assessing not just nutritional status, but also for evaluating potential toxic exposure, particularly in environments with high selenium soil content, which can lead to elevated dietary selenium. Clinically, monitoring whole blood selenium levels is critical in the context of nutritional supplementation, ensuring that selenium intake remains within a safe and therapeutic range.
Erythrocytes can be useful to establish selenium status, as selenium is present in high concentrations in erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase. However, of all the selenoproteins, GPx has the lowest threshold for selenium saturation. Therefore, a patient may have high or normal RBC Se levels (due to GPx), while other tissues are still low in Se. In clinical settings, whole-blood selenium is widely used to assess selenium status. Also, large studies evaluating selenium in cancer and other diseases have relied on plasma and serum levels.
→ Whole blood selenium may be more reflective of long term selenium status than plasma selenium.
What does it mean if your Selenium result is too high?
Garlic breath odor, brittle fingernails and hair, neurological complaints, swelling.
Support methylation for clearance (Vitamin B12, B6, and folic acid, betaine or dimethylglycine).
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What does it mean if your Selenium result is too low?
Compromised immunity, male & female reproductive health, cardiovascular health, inflammation regulation in asthma and thyroid hormone metabolism.
Due to the role of selenoproteins in glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thioredoxin reductase, and iodothyronine deiodinase, it is not surprising that selenium deficiency affects most physiologic systems, including endocrine and reproductive, hepatic, cardiovascular, immunological, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems.
Symptoms of selenium deficiency are: alopecia, weight loss, increased inflammatory response or depressed immune function, malaise, stunted growth, skeletal and muscular dysfunction.
Selenium is widely recognized as a key nutrient in cancer prevention and treatment. Selenium has been shown to inversely correlate heart disease and asthma. Selenium can help protect from mercury toxicity and is a cofactor in deiodination of T4 to T3. It has also been suggested to protect from arsenic toxicity. Frank selenium toxicity, called selenosis, is rare in humans. However, cases have been noted, primarily caused by contaminated soil. Symptoms of selenosis include garlic breath odor, thick brittle fingernails, dry, brittle hair, red swollen skin of the hands and feet, and nervous system complaints including numbness, convulsions, or paralysis.
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Selenium deficiency is relatively rare but can occur in areas with selenium-poor soil or in individuals with compromised nutrient absorption. This deficiency can lead to several health issues. One notable condition is Keshan disease, a potentially fatal cardiomyopathy linked to low selenium levels. Additionally, selenium deficiency can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illness. It may also contribute to hypothyroidism, as selenium is crucial for the conversion of thyroid hormones from their inactive to active forms. For pregnant women, low selenium levels can increase the risk of complications.
Treatment for selenium deficiency typically involves dietary changes and supplementation. However, it's important to consume selenium-containing foods in moderation, as excessive selenium intake can lead to toxicity. Selenium supplements are available and can be used under medical supervision to restore optimal levels. It's crucial for individuals taking supplements to adhere to recommended doses and undergo regular monitoring, as the margin between therapeutic and toxic levels of selenium is relatively narrow. In cases where malabsorption is the underlying cause of the deficiency, treating the gastrointestinal issue is also vital. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential for a proper diagnosis and to develop a safe and effective treatment plan tailored to individual needs and health status.
Food Sources of Selenium: Garlic, onions, broccoli, Brazil nuts, brewer’s yeast
Adult male/female: 50–400 μg
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