How Bad Is Selenium Toxicity

Selenium, like many other substances found in the body, is vital to all living cells as it plays an important role in the production of certain enzymes. Since selenium is a trace element, it should be noted that it is supposed to be taken only in small amounts and can be toxic if taken in excess. There is a tolerable upper intake level of selenium which is 400 micrograms per day and if exceeded would lead to selenosis.

The Many Symptoms of Toxicity from Selenium

Eating plants grown in extremely selenium-rich soil may be one of the causes of being toxic with selenium. Selenium toxicity is found most often in China wherein the soil is tremendously rich in selenium even making its way into the food and water supplies. Although it acts differently to every human, there are similar symptoms found like nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal problems, hair loss, sloughing off of nails, garlic breath, fatigue, mood swings, neurological problems, pulmonary edema, cirrhosis of the liver and most critically death.

Toxicity with selenium can be a very serious problem especially when a person has a high level of the substance. Overdose of a medication wherein selenium is present can also be another cause of being toxic with selenium. Though this type of disease can be treated, you must be aware that it is better if it is caught in the early stages. You should already go to a doctor if you start experiencing chronic diarrhea or nausea.

Do not wait for your nails to change or your breath to smell like garlic for you may suffer with this for the rest of your life if a neurological damage has occurred even if you are treated.