Selenium is a mineral which is essential for the human body. Selenium should be taken in minute amounts. This mineral is seen to have useful properties and is said to prevent various medical conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, AIDS etc.
Men need more selenium nutrients than women. People staying in at places where there is poor selenium in the soil should consult their doctors regarding selenium intake.
Before talking about selenium overdose let us see how selenium works on our body. Selenium as a nutrient should be taken in small amounts. This trace mineral should not be taken in excess or in very little quantities.
Selenium causes the body to produce certain antioxidants to fight radical damage to the cells. One of the functions of selenium is also that of regulating the thyroid hormones and the immune system.
Though selenium provides numerous health benefits, selenium overdose even causes side effects. People receive a tiny amount of selenium everyday through food but Selenium overdose can cause serious problems.
At times it has even resulted in death.
We should keep in mind the dosage level to be taken as recommended by RDA (recommended daily allowance) to ward off the dangerous effects of this mineral. The dosage can be increased only after keeping the toxicity levels in mind. Ideally, 70 micrograms of selenium can be taken per day.
Selenium overdose as a result of a large dose or because of taking too much on a daily basis can cause some dangerous effects.
Such toxicity effects include brittle nails and hair, bad breath, exhaustion, loss in weight, hair loss, heart attack, cardiac arrest, hypothyroidism (inefficient production of thyroid gland), infertility in males, skin cancer, allergies which can be of food, dyes or preservatives and death.
If you feel you are experiencing such a type of problem, you must consult a doctor. Proper medical diagnosis is necessary.