What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your selenium levels mean for your immune system, thyroid function, and overall health. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary adjustments, specific food suggestions rich in selenium, or guidance on supplementation if needed. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your selenium levels over time using our trends feature to see how dietary changes or supplementation are working.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is particularly useful for people receiving parenteral nutrition, those on highly restricted diets, individuals with digestive disorders affecting nutrient absorption, or children with specific metabolic conditions like propionic acidemia. It's also helpful if you're concerned about getting too much or too little selenium from your diet or supplements, or if you have symptoms like fatigue, weakened immunity, or thyroid issues that might be related to selenium status.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Symptoms of selenium deficiency can include persistent fatigue, weakened immune function with frequent infections, muscle weakness, hair loss, and cognitive difficulties. You might also experience thyroid-related symptoms like unexplained weight changes or feeling unusually cold. On the other hand, selenium toxicity can cause nausea, brittle nails, hair loss, fatigue, and a garlic-like breath odor.

How can I naturally support healthy selenium levels?

You can boost selenium intake through food sources like Brazil nuts (which are exceptionally high in selenium), seafood such as tuna and sardines, eggs, sunflower seeds, and whole grains. Just two Brazil nuts daily can provide adequate selenium for most people. Eating a varied, whole-foods diet with these selenium-rich foods typically ensures optimal levels without the need for supplements unless you have specific absorption issues.

What is selenium and why does it matter?

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that your body needs in small amounts to function properly. It plays a vital role in making antioxidant enzymes that protect your cells from damage, supports proper thyroid hormone production and metabolism, and helps your immune system fight infections. While your body only needs a small amount, both too little and too much selenium can cause health problems, making proper levels important for overall wellness.

What does low selenium mean?

Low selenium levels indicate your body isn't getting enough of this essential mineral, which can weaken your immune system, impair thyroid function, and reduce antioxidant protection. This can lead to increased susceptibility to infections, fatigue, muscle weakness, and potentially contribute to thyroid problems. Deficiency is more common in people with digestive disorders, those on restrictive diets, or individuals living in areas with selenium-poor soil.

What does high selenium mean?

High selenium levels indicate you're getting too much of this mineral, typically from over-supplementation rather than diet alone. Selenium toxicity can cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, hair loss, brittle nails, skin rashes, fatigue, irritability, and a characteristic garlic odor on the breath. If your levels are elevated, you should stop taking selenium supplements and work with your healthcare provider to bring levels back to a safe range.