Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular monitoring of selenium levels
- Avoidance of high-selenium environments
- Balanced diet
Critical Thresholds
Seek immediate medical attention if selenium levels exceed 1400 micro g/L due to risk of acute toxicity.
Critical High1400 micro g/L
Blutwerte · Marker
Selen
Selenium · Serum Selenium
Elektrolyte
- Einheit:
- micro g/L
- Abbreviation
- Se
Selenium test measures the total concentration of selenium in the blood, reflecting its availability for selenoprotein synthesis.
Reference Ranges
Reference
70–150micro g/L
70
90
120
150
1400
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Critical
Unit · micro g/LRanges may vary slightly based on dietary intake and regional differences.
Overview
Übersicht
Selenium (Se) is a trace element categorized as an electrolyte and is crucial for the synthesis of selenoproteins, which include selenocysteine. These proteins play significant roles in thyroid hormone metabolism, redox state regulation, and cellular homeostasis. The thyroid gland contains the highest concentration of selenium per gram of tissue in the human body. Clinically, selenium is important in the context of thyroid diseases, cardiovascular health, and immune function. Researchers have found that selenium deficiency is linked to an increased risk of thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, and may exacerbate conditions following cardiac surgery. For athletes and biohackers, selenium's antioxidant properties are of interest due to its potential to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation, which can enhance recovery and performance. However, the narrow margin between deficiency and toxicity is a caveat, as excessive selenium can lead to selenosis, characterized by symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress and hair loss. Factors such as dietary intake, environmental exposure, and supplementation can influence selenium levels, and testing should consider these variables.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated selenium levels may indicate excessive supplementation or environmental exposure, potentially leading to selenosis. Reduced levels can suggest dietary deficiency, which may increase the risk of thyroid dysfunction and cardiovascular issues.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising values may suggest excessive supplementation or exposure; re-test in 4 weeks if levels exceed 150 micro g/L.
Falling Values
Progressively falling values may indicate dietary deficiency or increased physiological demand.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Excessive supplementation
- Environmental exposure
- Diet high in selenium-rich foods
- Occupational exposure
- Ingestion of selenium-containing compounds
Cause
Low Levels
- Poor dietary intake
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Chronic illness
- Increased physiological demand
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Brazil nuts
- Seafood
- Whole grains
- Eggs
Lever
Supplementation
- Selenium yeast
- Sodium selenite
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting selenium supplements, especially if there is a risk of toxicity.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Testing Frequency
Annually for general health, more frequently if deficiency or toxicity is suspected.
Interfering Factors
- Recent supplementation
- Dietary intake
- Environmental exposure
Related Peptides & Hormones
Thyroid Hormones
hormone or peptideMay affect
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the clinical significance of selenium levels in thyroid disease remains debated, particularly regarding optimal reference ranges and the impact of different selenium forms on toxicity. Researchers have not yet established clear guidelines for selenium supplementation in various conditions, such as thyroid disorders and cardiac surgery. Additionally, unanswered clinical questions include the long-term effects of selenium supplementation and its role in preventing chronic diseases.
50 Research Publications
2,231
Total Citations
12
Human/RCT
2.7
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Selenium and its supplementation in cardiovascular disease--what do we know?
ReviewInfluence7.0
295
Researchers explored the role of selenium in cardiovascular disease, noting its regulatory functions and the inconclusive results of supplementation studies. They reviewed its potential as a biomarker for heart disease and its significance in surgical contexts.
02Top
#02
Supplementation of Micronutrient Selenium in Metabolic Diseases: Its Role as an Antioxidant.
ReviewInfluence3.0
252
Researchers reviewed the antioxidant role of selenium in chronic metabolic diseases, emphasizing its importance in managing conditions like diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. They discussed the clinical significance of selenium deficiency and the potential benefits of dietary supplementation.
03Top
#03
Adverse health effects of selenium in humans.
ReviewInfluence6.0
249
Researchers highlighted adverse health effects associated with chronic selenium exposure, including endocrine disruption and potential neurotoxicity. They noted that current environmental exposure limits may be insufficient to prevent these health risks.
04
#04
Selenium neurotoxicity in humans: bridging laboratory and epidemiologic studies.
ReviewInfluence1.0
185
This study examined selenium neurotoxicity in humans. Researchers found that acute selenium exposure can lead to neurological symptoms, while chronic low-level exposure is associated with an increased risk of conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. More research is needed to clarify the neurotoxic effects of selenium.
05
#05
Evaluating selenium poisoning.
Nuttall Kern L · Annals of clinical and laboratory science · 2006
ReviewInfluence11.0
180
Researchers reviewed selenium poisoning in humans, noting that distinguishing between toxic and non-toxic levels can be challenging due to varying chemical forms of selenium. They reported that acute toxicity is associated with serum levels above 400 micro g/L, while chronic toxicity occurs at levels between 500-1400 micro g/L.
Key findings
- 01Researchers found that acute selenium toxicity is often linked to very high serum levels, typically above 1400 micro g/L.
- 02They observed that chronic toxicity can occur at lower levels, ranging from 500 to 1400 micro g/L.
- 03The study highlighted that different chemical forms of selenium have varying toxic potentials, complicating the assessment of selenium poisoning.
06
#06
Microbial reduction and resistance to selenium: Mechanisms, applications and prospects.
ReviewInfluence7.0
137
This study explored microbial reduction of selenium, highlighting its importance in bioremediation and environmental applications. Researchers discussed various microbial pathways for selenium reduction and the potential use of functional genes as biomarkers in different environments.
07
#07
Selenium and Selenoproteins in Adipose Tissue Physiology and Obesity.
ReviewInfluence5.0
101
Researchers examined the relationship between selenium and obesity, finding inconsistent data on selenium status in obese individuals. They discussed the role of selenium in adipocyte metabolism but concluded that supplementation may not be effective for obesity prevention.
08
#08
Serum selenium and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in U.S. adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2016.
HumanInfluence2.0
100
Researchers evaluated the relationship between serum selenium levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in U.S. adults. They found that higher selenium levels above approximately 130 μg/L were positively associated with increased serum alanine aminotransferase activity and NAFLD prevalence. No significant associations were observed below this selenium level.
09
#09
Selenoproteins in nervous system development and function.
ReviewInfluence4.0
89
Researchers investigated the role of selenoproteins in brain development and function, linking selenium to oxidative stress defense. They noted that while selenium supplementation may benefit certain populations, definitive evidence for its use in common neurological conditions is lacking.
10
#10
Selenium and thyroid diseases.
ReviewInfluence1.0
68
Researchers found a strong association between selenium and thyroid diseases, highlighting its role in thyroid hormone metabolism and cellular homeostasis. They observed that selenium supplementation may improve conditions like Graves' orbitopathy and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, the evidence regarding its anticancer activity in thyroid cancer remains conflicting.
Clinical Trials (13)
13
Total Trials
1,055
Total Enrolled
Effects of a Legume-rich Diet in the Context of the Planetary Health Diet Compared to a Western-oriented Dietary Pattern in Participants with Increased Cardiometabolic Risk
NCT06700954NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sponsor
University of Bonn
Enrollment
100
Started
2025
Primary outcome
Pameters of glucose metabolism in blood
Cardiovascular Diseases
The Effects of Yoga on Sensory, Motor, Cognitive Skills, and Perceived Stress in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder
NCT07547514COMPLETED
Sponsor
Fenerbahce University
Enrollment
40
Started
2024
Primary outcome
The Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test
Development Coordination DisorderMotor Coordination or Function; Developmental DisorderSensory Integration DisorderPerceived Stres LevelCognitive Ability General
Induction Chemotherapy Sequential Sintilimab Combined With Dual Epigenetic Drugs for ENKTL-HLH
Sponsor
Sun Yat-sen University
Enrollment
37
Started
2021
Primary outcome
Objective response rate (ORR) after end of treatment
Safety and Efficacy
Se-Methyl-Seleno-L-Cysteine or Selenomethionine in Preventing Prostate Cancer in Healthy Participants
Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Enrollment
66
Started
2011
Primary outcome
Clinical toxicity of Se-methyl-seleno-L-cysteine according to the NCI CTCAE version 4.0
No Evidence of DiseaseProstate Carcinoma
Colon Cancer Prevention Using Selenium
Sponsor
University of Illinois at Chicago
Enrollment
50
Started
2010
Primary outcome
Reduction in ACF biomarkers
Prevention of Colorectal Cancer
Influence of Selenium on Prostate Cancer Related Biomarkers
NCT01112449COMPLETED
Sponsor
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Enrollment
130
Started
2008
Primary outcome
Biomarkers of oxidative stress
Effect of Selenium on Oxidative Stress in Healthy Men
Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin, Selenomethionine, and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients Undergoing Surgery For Newly Diagnosed Stage II or III Rectal Adenocarcinoma
Sponsor
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Enrollment
5
Started
2008
Primary outcome
Complete Pathological Response Rate
Colorectal Cancer
Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Selenomethionine, and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery
Sponsor
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Enrollment
16
Started
2006
Primary outcome
Incidence of Grade 3-4 Esophagitis
Lung Cancer
Selenium Supplementation of Patients With Cirrhosis
NCT00212212TERMINATED
Sponsor
Vanderbilt University
Enrollment
99
Started
2006
Primary outcome
Plasma selenium biomarkers
Cirrhosis
Selenium Supplementation of Patients With Cirrhosis
NCT00271245TERMINATED
Sponsor
Vanderbilt University
Enrollment
99
Started
2006
Primary outcome
Plasma selenoprotein P, Plasma GPX-3 activity, Total plasma selenium
Liver Disease
Predicting Dietary Selenium Needs to Achieve Target Blood Selenium Levels
NCT00803699COMPLETED
Sponsor
USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center
Enrollment
262
Started
2005
Primary outcome
Evaluation of effectiveness of consuming oral doses of L-selenomethionine in raising plasma selenium concentrations
Nutritional Requirements
Selenium and Immune Function
NCT00279812COMPLETED
Sponsor
Quadram Institute Bioscience
Enrollment
133
Started
2005
Primary outcome
Cellular and Humoral Immune Response
Healthy
Selenium in Treating Patients Who Are Undergoing Brachytherapy for Stage I or Stage II Prostate Cancer
Sponsor
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Enrollment
18
Started
2005
Primary outcome
Effects of selenium vs placebo on tissue biomarkers of prostate cancer susceptibility at 1 and 6 months after completion of study treatment
Prostate Cancer
Publication Trend
Research publications about Selen over time
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