Vitamin & Mineral Guide: Selenium

Works with vitamins C and E as an antioxidant: essential for proper function of the immune system and the thyroid gland.

How Much: RDA = 55 mcg daily.

Too Much: UL = 400 mcg daily.

Too Little: Rare; impaired immunity and heart damage.

Foods: Brazil nuts, walnuts, wheat germ, organ meats, shrimp, crab, tuna, turkey and garlic.

Supplements: Not recommended beyond a multivitamin, unless under a doctor’s supervision.

Research Note: Supplementation of 200 mcg daily may lower the risk of prostate cancer in men, but further studies must be done.  Although people with RA or chronic uveitis have shown low selenium levels, there is no evidence that selenium supplements are beneficial.