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Minerals

Selenium

Selenium is a key antioxidant that helps combat exercise-induced oxidative stress. It also supports thyroid function for optimal metabolic rate during training.

Doctor's Assessment Included

What It Measures

This test measures the level of selenium in your blood. It reflects your dietary intake and selenium status, which is important for various selenoprotein functions.

Why It Matters

Selenium supports thyroid hormone metabolism, immune function, and protects cells from oxidative damage. Both deficiency and excess can affect health. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended if you have thyroid disorders, live in a selenium-poor region, or have a restricted diet. It may also be relevant for those concerned about antioxidant status.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Symptoms of selenium deficiency may include fatigue, weakened immunity, thyroid dysfunction, muscle weakness, and cognitive decline. Severe deficiency can affect heart health.

High Levels

Excess selenium may cause garlic breath, hair loss, brittle nails, nausea, and neurological symptoms. Toxicity is usually from over-supplementation. Consult your healthcare provider.

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low selenium may affect thyroid function and immune system. Consider Brazil nuts.

If High

High selenium can be toxic. Reduce supplementation.

Female

If Low

Low selenium may affect thyroid function. Consider Brazil nuts or supplementation.

If High

High selenium can be toxic. Reduce supplementation.

Lifestyle Tips

Brazil nuts are one of the richest sources of selenium — just 1-2 nuts per day may provide adequate intake. Other sources include seafood, eggs, and whole grains. Avoid excessive supplementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much selenium do I need daily?
Daily requirements are small. Your healthcare provider can advise on the right amount based on your individual needs. Excessive intake should be avoided.
Can selenium support thyroid health?
Yes, selenium is essential for converting thyroid hormones and may support thyroid function. It is often considered alongside iodine when evaluating thyroid health.
Are Brazil nuts really that high in selenium?
Yes, Brazil nuts are exceptionally rich in selenium. Just one or two per day can provide more than the daily recommended amount, making them both a convenient source and a risk for overconsumption.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Whoop

A 44-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Omega-3 Index Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€499,-
Health Checkups

InsideTracker

A 36-biomarker performance and longevity panel inspired by InsideTracker Ultimate — covering heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, recovery and iron status.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Calcium Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Magnesium (Intracellular) Potassium Progesterone Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Vitamin D (25-OH) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Creatine Kinase (CK) Transferrin Saturation Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€399,-
Complete Health

360 Health

Broad health panel: hormones, thyroid, vitamins, lipids, liver, kidney, and blood count.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Triglycerides Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Free T4 (Thyroxine) LDL Cholesterol Liver Function Test (LFT) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Vitamin B12 Vitamin D (25-OH) Total Testosterone Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Ferritin HDL Cholesterol Albumin Total Cholesterol Basic Blood Count
€346,-

Selenium

€81,-