Selenium Benefits, Recommended Intake, and Foods High in Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that your body needs in very small amounts. Despite the tiny daily requirement, selenium plays important roles in thyroid function, antioxidant defense, DNA production, reproduction, and normal immune function . Most people in the United States get enough selenium from food, but questions about selenium benefits, selenium-rich foods, daily selenium intake, supplements, deficiency, and toxicity are becoming increasingly common. This guide explains how much selenium you need, which foods contain the most selenium, what current research says about its health benefits, and why getting too much can be harmful. Selenium at a Glance Adult Recommended Intake: 55 mcg/day Pregnancy: 60 mcg/day Breastfeeding: 70 mcg/day Adult Upper Limit: 400 mcg/day Top Food Source: Brazil nuts Main Functions: Thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense, DNA production, reproduction, and immune function What Is Selenium? Seleniu...