Selenium Recalls


 ConsumerLab.com is reporting recalls due to Selenium Toxicity issues. Should we become more vigilant with all supplementary Selenium intakes?

 

I am unaware of this exact report and what aspect of supplementation was leading to the toxicity.  What I do know is that it is possible to have toxicity with certain nutrients and selenium is one of them.  The RDA for selenium is 200 mcg (that's MICROgrams) per day.  I do advise people to be careful to count the total amount of selenium they are getting from supplementation.  For example, your multi-vitamin might contain 200mcg (100% of the RDA) but you might also be taking an additional supplement that contains selenium.  Adding up all the supplemental sources you might be exposed to will reduce your chances of having any potential toxicity issues. 

Other than that, I would not be afraid of selenium supplementation.  Selenium is a very important nutrient for running many of the enzymes that help our cells function properly.  Additionally it is potent antioxidant and is absolutely necessary to help the body deal with day to day free radical damage.  So, I advise people to follow the RDA's recommendations for selenium supplementation in order to maintain optimal health.






Back to all Questions     View More by Dr. Kevin Passero


Lead Medical Director

As a certified and fully trained Naturopathic Doctor, Passero has trained and preceptored with some of the nation's leading doctors in the field of natural medicine, working under the guidance of MD’s, Chiropractors, Naturopaths and Acupuncturists. Furthermore, he is currently the Vice President of the Maryland Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

View Profile


The products and the claims made about specific products on Vitabase.com have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided by Vitabase is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on Vitabase.com for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Neither Vitabase nor Dr Passero will be liable for negative outcomes of supplements that are taken as a result of information given on Vitabase.com.