Selenium

Mineral
Written By Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD
 
 

What is Selenium?

  • Selenium plays a role in DNA synthesis, thyroid function, reproduction, and helps protect us from infection. Research has shown that individuals with ASD tend to have lower levels of selenium in their hair and blood, as do individuals classified as overweight/obese. 

  • Selenium is a trace mineral that is present in many foods and available as a dietary supplement. 

  • It plays a role in reproduction, fetal development, hormone metabolism, thyroid function, DNA synthesis, and supports a healthy immune system. 

  • It is found in two forms, organic and inorganic, but both can be used as dietary sources for selenium.  

  • Brazil nuts are one of the most concentrated dietary sources of selenium.

 
 

Sources of Selenium 

Recommended Intake

These recommendations are based on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which is the average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient recommendations of nearly all (97-98%) of healthy individuals.


Males and Females 

  • 0-6 months: 15 mcg/day  

  • 1-3 years: 20 mcg/day 

  • 4-8 years: 30 mcg/day 

  • 9-13 years: 40 mcg/day 

  • 14-18 years: 55 mcg/ day 

  • 19-50 years: 55 mcg/day 

  • 51+ years: 55 mcg/day 

Deficiency  

Common symptoms of selenium deficiency include: 

Individuals at increased risk of selenium deficiency 

  • Individuals living in areas with low soil selenium levels 

  • Individuals receiving kidney dialysis 

  • Individuals with HIV 

Toxicity 

Upper limits of selenium  

Males and Females  

  • 1-3 years: 90 mcg/day 

  • 4-8 years: 1500 mcg/day 

  • 9-13 years: 280 mcg/day 

  • 14-18 years: 400 mcg/ day 

  • 19-50 years: 400  mcg/day 

  • 51+ years: 400 mcg/day  

Symptoms of selenium toxicity 

  • Garlic odor in breath

  • Hair/nail loss or brittleness

  • Skin rashes

  • Tremors

  • Lightheadedness 

  • Myocardial infarction (heart attack)

  • Kidney failure

  • Gastrointestinal issues

Supplements 

Selenium is available in multivitamin/multimineral supplements or by itself. If that is the case, it is usually in the form of selenomethionine, sodium selenite, or sodium selenate. The human body absorbs greater than 90% of selenomethionine but only about 50% of selenite. 

Selenium can have an interaction with the drug Cisplatin, which is a drug that is used in chemotherapy. Cisplatin can lower serum selenium levels. 

DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.

Selenium & Autism in the Research 

  • Individuals with ASD are at risk for heavy-metal neurotoxicity, and selenium is suggested to be a prevention method and/or therapy for heavy metal toxicity [2]. 

  • When looking at hair and blood serum levels, children with ASD generally have lower levels of selenium [3][4][5].   

  • This study found an inverse relationship between selenium levels and the presence of overweight/obesity in children with ASD [6].  

  • [1] Selenium Health Professional Fact Sheet. Nih.gov. Accessed February 4, 2021. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/  

    [2] El-Ansary A, Bjørklund G, Tinkov AA, Skalny AV, Al Dera H. Relationship between selenium, lead, and mercury in red blood cells of Saudi autistic children. Metab Brain Dis. 2017;32(4):1073-1080. doi:10.1007/s11011-017-9996-1 

    [3]Skalny AV, Simashkova NV, Klyushnik TP, et al. Assessment of serum trace elements and electrolytes in children with childhood and atypical autism. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2017;43:9-14. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.09.009

    [4]Skalny AV, Simashkova NV, Klyushnik TP, et al. Analysis of Hair Trace Elements in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Communication Disorders. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2017;177(2):215-223. doi:10.1007/s12011-016-0878-x  

    [5]ORDER. Georgian Med News. 2015;(248):77-82. Tabatadze T, Zhorzholiani L, Kherkheulidze M, Kandelaki E, Ivanashvili T. HAIR HEAVY METAL AND ESSENTIAL TRACE ELEMENT CONCENTRATION IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DIS 

    [6]Błażewicz A, Szymańska I, Dolliver W, Suchocki P, Turło J, Makarewicz A, Skórzyńska-Dziduszko K. Are Obese Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder More Likely to Be Selenium Deficient? Research Findings on Pre- and Post-Pubertal Children. Nutrients. 2020; 12(11):3581. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113581

Authors

Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD,CLT 

Sheila Nguyen, Dietetic Intern 

Suzy Morris, Dietetic Intern 

Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD https://www.autismdietitian.com
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