Selenium, Serum or Plasma

Overview:

Selenium is a trace mineral incorporated into enzymes that protect cells from oxidative damage and that convert thyroid hormone into its active form. Dietary content varies considerably with the selenium in local soil, and Brazil nuts are an unusually concentrated source. Deficiency is uncommon in most populations but occurs with long-term intravenous nutrition, severe malabsorption and in areas with very low soil selenium. The range between adequate and excessive is narrower than for most nutrients, and over-supplementation can cause hair and nail changes, gastrointestinal symptoms and nerve problems, so testing is used at both ends.

Categories:

Vitamins & Nutrients

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker