Watch Out for the No. 1 Source of Selenium Get enough selenium… but not too much!
What do normal thyroid function, antioxidant enzymes and cancer prevention have in common? All are functions that selenium is involved with in our bodies. Though selenium is an essential nutrient in the diet, selenium toxicity, also known as selenosis, can be dangerous. Symptoms of chronic selenosis include: • • • • • • •
Garlic odor and metallic taste in the mouth Brittle nails and hair Hair loss Fatigue Irritability Rashes and lesions of the skin Nervous system abnormalities
Brazil nuts are the number one source of selenium in the human diet. Interestingly, just one serving (approximately six nuts) contains about 550 µg of selenium, which is 10-times the recommended daily allowance (RDA)! Though selenium content of plant foods and products varies by region due to soil content, it is important to be cautious when it comes to snacking on Brazil nuts. Though selenium deficiency is rare in nourished people, it can occur in people with intestinal problems or those requiring total parenteral nutrition. Furthermore, people with certain genetic make-ups may require more selenium thus should include selenium-rich foods in their diet. Symptoms of selenium deficiency include: •
Garlic odor and metallic taste in the mouth