What is Selenium? Selenium is a trace mineral that is found in some meats, nuts and seafood; although the best source for selenium is found in vegetables that are grown in soils containing selenium. Crops grown in the Dakotas and Nebraska are known to container larger amounts of selenium while certain areas in other parts of the world such as China and Russia are known to contain very little selenium. Brazil nuts are known to be extremely high in selenium, containing as much as 500 mg per ounce while other foods such as cod and turkey only contain about 30 mg per ounce. Next to Brazil nuts, tuna is the next best source for natural selenium, although the amount contained in three ounces of tuna, at about 60 mgs, is much less than a single ounce of Brazil nuts.

What is Selenium Deficiency? Individuals who consume diets lacking in selenium result in a selenium deficiency that may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, thyroid problems and an increased susceptibility to infections and illness. Many of the deficiencies related to a lack of selenium can be found in concentrated areas of China, where there is little selenium contained within the natural soil. Persons who are being fed through an intravenous feeding tube are also at risk for selenium deficiency related health problems. Persons with Crohns’ disease or a deficiency related to iodine might benefit from selenium supplementation.

It is extremely difficult for an individual to ingest too much selenium, since so few foods contain and organic supplements contain excessively large amounts of selenium; with Brazil nuts noted as the exception. Side effects of ingesting too much selenium include the development of a condition known as selenosis, resulting in stomach upset, nausea, bad breath and lethargy.

What is Selenium Supplementation? Selenium supplementation is the method by which individuals that may be at risk for selenium deficiency, add this mineral back into their diet. This can be accomplished either by adding foods high in selenium or by ingesting chemically formed selenium supplements. Current research suggests that organic forms of selenium, such as selenium yeasts, are the best choice.