Selenium

What is Selenium?

–

What Selenium Does for You:

–

What Happens When there is a Selenium Deficiency:

–

What Happens When Too Much Selenium is Consumed:

–

How Much Selenium do You Need?

This table presents Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and Adequate Intakes (AIs) recommended by the USDA to maintain a healthy diet.

	Selenium (mcg/day)
Infants
0-6 mos	15*
7-12 mos	20*
Children
1-3 yrs	20
4-8 yrs	30
Males
9-13 yrs	40
14-18 yrs	55
19-30 yrs	55
31-50 yrs	55
51-70 yrs	55
> 70 yrs	55
Females
9-13 yrs	40
14-18 yrs	55
19-30 yrs	55
31-50 yrs	55
51-70 yrs	55
> 70 yrs	55
Pregnancy
14-18 yrs	60
19-30 yrs	60
31-50 yrs	60
Lactation
14-18 yrs	70
19-30 yrs	70
31-50 yrs	70

NOTES:

• * Adequate Intakes
• mcg = micrograms

Best Plant Sources of Selenium:

–

SOURCES:

• The National Academy Press: www.nap.edu
• Institute of Medicine: www.iom.edu