Why do you need to take vitamin selenium? How much is it and what are its side effects?

Selenium is a mineral that occurs naturally in soil and is found in some vegetables, fruits, and many different foods, as well as in water. Selenium is found in many food sources, but there are some cases where a vitamin selenium or selenium supplement, as it is medically called, is required, how much can be taken? What are the benefits and uses of selenium supplements? Do you have any side effects? We will find out in this article, dear reader, so keep reading.

Why do some people need to take vitamin selenium?

The main reason for taking selenium supplements is this treatment of selenium deficiency in the body, and this can be related in particular to the occurrence of certain health conditions, such as HIV , Crohn’s disease , etc., selenium has also drawn attention for its antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage.

The effects of selenium supplementation have been studied in the treatment of dozens of conditions, including: asthma , arthritis and infertility, however, the results are still inconclusive, and the same applies to the effectiveness of selenium pills in the treatment of prostate and colon cancer. Increased use of selenium supplements considered to be at increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer .

Safe Selenium Supplement Amount

Obtaining selenium from natural food sources does not lead to poisoning except in rare cases, but doctors warn of the risks of increasing the use of selenium supplements, so the recommended daily intake of selenium has been established in general, that is, from foods and other nutritional supplements. Do not consult your doctor before taking the supplement, the daily amounts are as follows:

• 20 micrograms daily for children 1-3 years old.
• 30 micrograms daily for children 4-8 years old.
• 40 micrograms daily for children 9-13 years old.
• 55 micrograms per day for ages 14 and older.
• 60 micrograms per day for pregnant women.
• 70 micrograms for a nursing mother.

The maximum amount of selenium that can be safely consumed is 400 micrograms of selenium per day for adults only, and any amount above this limit is considered an overdose and can cause serious problems.

What are the benefits of taking vitamin selenium?

Selenium is an essential mineral for good health. As explained above, the body needs small amounts of it. According to studies on selenium, it has shown the following benefits:

• Improving fertility in men.
• Provide protection for the bladder.
• It has antiviral effects.
• Improving immune function.
• Improve cognitive skills.

However, there is evidence that any dietary supplement containing vitamin or selenium in general has a limited therapeutic range, and high levels have been linked to unwanted side effects such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes .

Read also: The benefits of selenium for the heart, immunity, fertility and risks of excess.

Natural sources of selenium

• Nuts such as coconut and walnuts.
• Lots of fresh and salty fish like tuna, cod and herring.
• Beef and poultry
• vegetables

Side Effects of Selenium Supplements

When taken in normal doses, selenium has no side effects, but excessive doses can lead to:

• nausea;
• Fever.
• Kidney and liver problems.
• heart problems;
• Bad breath.
• Severe selenium poisoning can lead to death.

You should inform your doctor about the medications you are taking while taking selenium supplements in order to avoid interactions that are necessary for you.