Selenium
Selenium is a vital mineral that supports thyroid health, a strong immune system, and protects cells from oxidative stress. It plays a crucial role in combating infections and maintaining overall immune function. Selenium is found in foods such as Brazil nuts, fish, poultry, and whole grains. Keeping adequate selenium levels is important for preventing cellular damage and supporting immune defense, while a deficiency can disrupt thyroid function and weaken immune response.
Description
Individuals with gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease, residents of areas with selenium-deficient soils, people following restrictive diets such as veganism, those with thyroid disorders, and patients undergoing long-term dialysis could benefit from testing their selenium levels.
Symptoms of Low Selenium:
- Muscle weakness or pain
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Hair loss or discoloration
- Weakened immune system
- Fertility issues
- Cognitive decline
- Hypothyroidism symptoms
Symptoms of High Selenium:
- Garlic breath odor
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Hair loss
- Brittle nails or nail discoloration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rashes
- Nervous system problems like irritability or tremors
- Extreme cases can lead to kidney, heart, or liver damage
Foods high in selenium include Brazil nuts, which are one of the richest sources, along with other nuts and seeds. Seafood such as fish, shrimp, and sardines, and meats like turkey, chicken, and beef, also provide good amounts of selenium. Whole grains, brown rice, and eggs are additional sources. For those on plant-based diets, mushrooms and sunflower seeds are also beneficial.
Selenium supplementation can boost immune function and offer antioxidant protection, reducing cellular damage from free radicals. It’s beneficial for thyroid health, aiding in hormone production and regulation. Selenium also plays a role in preventing certain cancers and heart disease. For individuals with low selenium intake, especially in regions with selenium-deficient soils, supplements can help meet dietary needs. However, it’s important to manage dosage carefully, as excessive selenium can have adverse effects.
Tests containing this item
Lab Test
Blood
Test your body’s mineral levels with Gettested’s Mineral Deficiency test. Our test measures some of the most important minerals: Magnesium, Zinc and Selenium without you having to go to the health centre. You can do the test by yourself at home by taking a blood sample from your finger, which is then sent to an accredited lab for analysis. You will receive your results as soon as the lab has analysed your sample. If you wish to do a more comprehensive nutrition test, we recommend our larger Nutrition Test that measures more minerals and the ratio between different minerals.
$ 69.99 USD
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Lab Test
Blood
GetTested’s Nutrition Test is our most detailed nutritional analysis, measuring 12 key markers to accurately assess your nutritional health. This test not only identifies potential mineral deficiencies but also analyzes important mineral ratios that are crucial for overall wellbeing and performance. Ideal for anyone looking to optimize their health, address chronic conditions, or improve athletic performance, this test provides a comprehensive view of your nutritional status.
Additionally, pairing this test with our Vitamin D Test, available as both a rapid and laboratory test, is a common practice for a holistic assessment of nutritional and bone health.
$ 99.99 USD
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Lab Test
Hair
GetTested’s Hair Mineral Analysis provides a comprehensive insight into your body’s mineral balance and heavy metal levels through hair (or nail) analysis. This non-invasive test measures 39 different substances to identify nutritional imbalances and toxic exposures. The test is conducted at an accredited and ISO-certified lab.
For a complete understanding of chronic versus temporary toxicity, combine our Hair Mineral Analysis with the Heavy Metals Test. This dual approach distinguishes long-term accumulation from recent exposure.
$ 189.99 USD
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