Each 500 mcg tablet contains: Sodium Selenate 100 mcg •
SELEANTE
selenate
Selenomethionine DI-GLUTATHIONE
DIGLUTATHIONE
Selenomethionine (yeast free) 50 mcg • Seleno Di- Glutathione 50 mcg • Cysteine 100 mcg • Thiamide 100 mg •
Nicotinic Acid 100 mg.
This product is used for Detoxification .
Brand name products often contain multiple ingredients. To read detailed information about each ingredient, click on the link for the individual ingredient shown above.
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Selenium Detoxification Formula - Smokers & Drinkers. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Selenium Detoxification Formula - Smokers & Drinkers. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when a specific detoxification plan, the Wellnessup detoxification diet, is used for up to 4 weeks This diet, consisting of organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, has been used with apparent safety (104877).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when coffee enemas are used rectally for detoxification. Coffee enemas have been linked to cases of severe electrolyte abnormalities and septicemia leading to severe side effects including death (3026,3347,3349,6652). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of other methods of detoxification.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information; avoid using.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally in doses up to 500 mg daily for up to 2 months (5361,5362,97394,97396,97399,104392). ...when used by inhalation in doses of 600 mg twice daily for up to 3 days (5367,5368,5369). ...when used intramuscularly (5374,5375,5384). ...when used as an intravenous injection (5344,5354,5357,5358,5359,5360,5373,5374,5377,5378,5380).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of L-cysteine when used orally in amounts greater than those found in foods or when used topically.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts found in foods.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of amounts greater than those found in foods; avoid use. Some research suggests that taking L-cysteine during lactation increases levels of free L-cysteine in breastmilk. However, these levels are lower than those found in some commercial hydrolyzed protein infant formulas (109718).
LIKELY SAFE ...when niacin is taken in food or as a supplement in amounts below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 30 mg daily for adults 18 years of age and 35 mg daily for adults 19 years and older (6243). ...when prescription products are used orally and appropriately in doses of up to 2 grams daily (12033). CHILDREN:
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts that do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL). The ULs of niacin for children are: 1-3 years of age, 10 mg daily; 4-8 years of age, 15 mg daily; 9-13 years of age, 20 mg daily; 14-18 years of age, 30 mg daily (6243).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts that do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL).
The UL of niacin during pregnancy and lactation is 30 mg daily for 14-18 years of age and 35 mg daily for 19 years and older (6243).
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of larger oral doses of niacin during pregnancy or lactation; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Selenium appears to be safe when taken short-term in amounts below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 400 mcg daily (4844,7830,7831,7836,7841,9724,9797,14447,17510,17511)(17512,17513,17515,17516,97087,97943,109085); however, there is concern that taking selenium long-term might not be safe. Some evidence shows that consuming a diet containing more than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of selenium, which is 55 mcg daily for most adults, is associated with an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes (99661). Some evidence also shows that taking a selenium supplement 200 mcg daily for an average of 3-8 years increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (97091,99661). Higher serum levels of selenium are also associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and increased mortality (16710,99661). ...when used intravenously. Selenium, as selenious acid, is an FDA-approved drug. Sodium selenite intravenous infusions up to 1000 mcg daily have been safely used for up to 28 days (90347,92910).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in high doses or long-term. Doses above 400 mcg daily can increase the risk of developing selenium toxicity (4844,7825). Additionally, some evidence shows that consuming a diet containing more than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of selenium, which is 55 mcg daily for most adults, is associated with an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes (99661). There is also concern that taking a selenium supplement 200 mcg daily long-term, for an average of 3-8 years, increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (99661). Higher serum levels of selenium are also associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and increased mortality (16710,99661).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Selenium seems to be safe when used short-term in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 45 mcg daily for infants up to age 6 months, 60 mcg daily for infants 7 to 12 months, 40-90 mcg daily for children 1 to 3 years, 100-150 mcg daily for children 4 to 8 years, 200-280 mcg daily for children 9 to 13 years, and 400 mcg daily for children age 14 years and older (4844,86095); however, there is some concern that long-term use might not be safe. ...when used via a nasogastric tube in premature infants (7835,9764).
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Selenium appears to be safe when used short-term in amounts that do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 400 mcg daily (4844,17507,74419,74481,74391); however, there is concern that long-term use might not be safe.
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive doses.
Doses above 400 mcg daily may cause significant toxicity (4844).
LACTATION: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Selenium appears to be safe when used short-term in amounts that do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 400 mcg daily when taken short-term (4844,74467); however, there is concern that long-term use might not be safe.
LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive doses.
Doses above 400 mcg daily may cause significant toxicity (4844,7838). ...when used orally in HIV-positive women. Selenium supplementation in HIV-positive women not taking highly active antiretroviral therapy may increase HIV-1 levels in breast milk (90358).
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Selenium Detoxification Formula - Smokers & Drinkers. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Theoretically, taking L-cysteine supplements with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
 Details
Animal research suggests that L-cysteine can have hypoglycemic effects (109722).
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Concomitant use of alcohol and niacin might increase the risk of flushing and hepatotoxicity.
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Alcohol can exacerbate the flushing and pruritus associated with niacin (4458,11689). Large doses of niacin might also exacerbate liver dysfunction associated with chronic alcohol use. A case report describes delirium and lactic acidosis in a patient taking niacin 3 grams daily who ingested 1 liter of wine (14510). Advise patients to avoid large amounts of alcohol while taking niacin.
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Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as allopurinol.
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Large doses of niacin can reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially resulting in hyperuricemia (4860,4863,12033). Doses of uricosurics such as allopurinol might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin (4458). People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin (4863).
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Theoretically, niacin may have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
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Niacin can increase blood glucose levels and may diminish the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
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Niacin impairs glucose tolerance in a dose-dependent manner, probably by causing or aggravating insulin resistance and increasing hepatic production of glucose (4860,4863,11692,11693). In diabetes patients, niacin 4.5 grams daily for 5 weeks can increase plasma glucose by an average of 16% and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 21% (4860). However, lower doses of 1.5 grams daily or less appear to have minimal effects on blood glucose (12033). In some patients, glucose levels increase when niacin is started, but then return to baseline when a stable dose is reached (12033,93344). Up to 35% of patients with diabetes may need adjustments in hypoglycemic therapy when niacin is added (4458,4860,4863,11689,12033).
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Theoretically, niacin may increase the risk of hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Details
The vasodilating effects of niacin can cause hypotension (4863,12033,93341). Furthermore, some clinical evidence suggests that a one-hour infusion of niacin can reduce systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This effect is not observed in normotensive patients (25917).
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Large doses of aspirin might alter the clearance of niacin.
Details
Aspirin is often used with niacin to reduce niacin-induced flushing (4458,11689). Doses of 80-975 mg aspirin have been used, but 325 mg appears to be optimal (4458,4852,4853,11689). Aspirin also seems to reduce the clearance of niacin by competing for glycine conjugation. Taking aspirin 1 gram seems to reduce niacin clearance by 45% (14524). This is probably a dose-related effect and not clinically significant with the more common aspirin dose of 325 mg (11689,14524).
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Bile acid sequestrants can bind niacin and decrease absorption. Separate administration by 4-6 hours to avoid an interaction.
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In vitro studies show that colestipol (Colestid) binds about 98% of available niacin and cholestyramine (Questran) binds 10% to 30% (14511).
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Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and gemfibrozil might increase the risk of myopathy in some patients.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and statins might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis in some patients.
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Some case reports have raised concerns that niacin might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when combined with statins (14508,25918). However, a significantly increased risk of myopathy has not been demonstrated in clinical trials, including those using an FDA-approved combination of lovastatin and niacin (Advicor) (7388,11689,12033,14509).
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Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as probenecid.
Details
Large doses of niacin reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially causing hyperuricemia (4863,12033). Doses of uricosurics such as probenecid might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin (4458). People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin (4863).
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Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as sulfinpyrazone.
Details
Large doses of niacin reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially causing hyperuricemia (4863,12033). Doses of uricosurics such as sulfinpyrazone might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin (4458). People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin (4863).
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Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones.
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Clinical research and case reports suggests that taking niacin can reduce serum levels of thyroxine-binding globulin by up to 25% and moderately reduce levels of thyroxine (T4) (25916,25925,25926,25928). Patients taking thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism might need dose adjustments when using niacin.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and transdermal nicotine might increase the risk of flushing and dizziness.
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Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
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Clinical research suggests that taking selenium 10 mcg/kg/day can increase bleeding times by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity (14540). Other clinical research suggests that taking selenium 75 mcg daily, in combination with ascorbic acid 600 mg, alpha-tocopherol 300 mg, and beta-carotene 27 mg, reduces platelet aggregation (74406).
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Theoretically, selenium might prolong the sedating effects of barbiturates.
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Contraceptive drugs might increase levels of selenium, although the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.
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Some research suggests that oral contraceptives increase serum selenium levels in women taking oral contraceptives; however, other research shows no change in selenium levels (14544,14545,14546,101343). It is suggested that an increase could be due to increased carrier proteins, indicating a redistribution of selenium rather than a change in total body selenium (14545).
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Gold salts might interfere with selenium activity in tissues.
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Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
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Selenium might reduce the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
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A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease (7388,11537). It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as selenium, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.
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Theoretically, selenium might interfere with warfarin activity.
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Animal research suggests that selenium can increase warfarin activity. Selenium might interact with warfarin by displacing it from albumin binding sites, reducing its metabolism in the liver, or by decreasing production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (14541). Selenium can also prolong bleeding times in humans by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity (14540).
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Selenium Detoxification Formula - Smokers & Drinkers. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
General
...The safety and adverse effects of detoxification depend on the method and substances used.
Most information available on potential adverse effects is based only on anecdotal reports.
Orally, detoxification regimens that involve high fiber intake can cause constipation. Regimens that involve the use of laxatives can cause diarrhea. Detoxification that reduces protein intake can cause mood changes, fatigue, tiredness, and other symptoms. Regimens that involve long-term fasting can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies, protein deficiency, lactic acidosis, and death. Also, regimens that involve implementing extreme stress on the body can lead to electrolyte imbalances (93688,99478). Conversely, no adverse effects have been reported with the Wellnessup detoxification diet, which consists of organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted (104877).
Rectally, coffee enemas used for detoxification have been linked to at least three deaths. Two of these deaths are related to severe electrolyte imbalance, and a third is associated with polymicrobial septicemia following use of coffee enema (3026,3347,3349,6652). Coffee enemas have also been reported to cause proctocolitis (96868,103273).
Gastrointestinal
...Detoxification that involves significantly altering the types of foods consumed can result in several potential side effects.
Diets that eliminate caffeine may result in diarrhea, which can lead to fluid and electrolyte loss and dehydration. High fiber diets sometimes result in constipation. Detoxification programs often include laxatives. These can cause significant diarrhea leading to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances.
At least 5 cases of proctocolitis related to the use of coffee enemas have been reported (96868,103273).
Neurologic/CNS
...Detoxification that eliminates caffeine can result in caffeine withdrawal headaches.
Detoxification that eliminates or reduces protein intake by eliminating meat can result in mood changes, fatigue, tiredness, and a variety of other symptoms.
In one case, serotonin syndrome was reported in a 19-year-old man attempting detoxification with tryptophan and St. John's wort after using MDMA (ecstasy) (93688).
Renal ...Certain types of detoxification practices can cause electrolyte imbalances. For example, there was a case of severe hyponatremia after a sauna sweating "purification" practice from the Hubbard Purification Rundown (99478).
Other
...Some methods of fasting can be safe short-term; however, long-term or extreme fasting can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, protein deficiency, lactic acidosis, and death (93688).
Rectally administered coffee enemas used for detoxification have been linked to at least three deaths. Two of these deaths were related to severe electrolyte imbalance, and a third was associated with polymicrobial septicemia following use of coffee enema (3026,3347,3349,6652).
General
...Glutathione seems to be well tolerated; however, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Inhaled: Bronchoconstriction and shortness of breath.
Dermatologic ...Topically, glutathione has resulted in an intolerable rash and irritability in five children (90637).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Inhaled (nebulized) glutathione can cause airway narrowing and bronchoconstriction resulting in shortness of breath and cough in patients with asthma (5372).
General ...Orally, L-cysteine is well tolerated in amounts found in foods. When used in higher doses or when applied topically, no adverse effects have been reported. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
General
...Orally, niacin is well tolerated in the amounts found in foods.
It is also generally well tolerated in prescription doses when monitored by a healthcare provider.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Flushing, gastrointestinal complaints (abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting), and elevated liver enzymes.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Hepatotoxicity, myopathy, thrombocytopenia, and vision changes.
Cardiovascular
...Orally, flushing is a common dose-related adverse reaction to niacin.
A large meta-analysis of clinical studies shows that up to 70% of patients may experience flushing (96211). Although flushing can occur with doses of niacin as low as 30 mg daily, it is more common with the larger doses used for treatment of dyslipidemia. The flushing reaction is due to prostaglandin-induced blood vessel dilation and can also include symptoms of burning, tingling, urticaria, erythema, pain, and itching of the face, arms, and chest. There may also be increased intracranial blood flow and headache (4889,26089,93341,104933). Onset is highly variable and ranges from within 30 minutes to as long as 6 weeks after the initial dose (6243). Flushing can be minimized via various strategies, including taking doses with meals, slow dose titration, using extended release formulations, pretreating with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, taking regular-release niacin with meals, or taking the sustained-release product at bedtime (4852,4853,4854,4857,4858,25922,26073,26084). Flushing often diminishes with continued use but can recur when niacin is restarted after missed doses (4863,6243,26081). The vasodilating effects of niacin can also cause hypotension, dizziness, tachycardia, arrhythmias, syncope, and vasovagal attacks, especially in patients who are already taking antihypertensive drugs (4863,12033,93341,110494).
High doses of niacin can raise homocysteine levels. A 17% increase has been reported with 1 gram daily and a 55% increased has been reported with 3 grams daily. Elevated homocysteine levels are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (490); however, the clinical significance of this effect is unknown. A large-scale study (AIM-HIGH) found that patients receiving extended-release niacin (Niaspan) 1500-2000 mg daily with a statin had an over two-fold increased risk of ischemic stroke (1.6%) when compared with those receiving only simvastatin (0.7%). However, when the risk was adjusted for confounding factors, niacin was not found to be associated with increased stroke risk (17627,93354). A meta-analysis of three clinical trials conducted in approximately 29,000 patients showed a higher risk of mortality in patients taking niacin in addition to a statin when compared with a statin alone. However, with a p-value of 0.05 and confidence interval including 1, the validity of this finding remains unclear (97308).
Endocrine
...Orally, niacin can impair glucose tolerance in a dose-dependent manner.
Dosages of 3-4 grams daily appear to increase blood glucose in patients with or without diabetes, while dosages of 1.5 grams daily or less have minimal effects (12033). Niacin is thought to impair glucose tolerance by increasing insulin resistance or increasing hepatic output of glucose (4863,11692,11693). In patients with diabetes, niacin 4.5 grams daily for 5 weeks has been associated with an average 16% increase in plasma glucose and 21% increase in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (4860). Up to 35% of patients with diabetes may need to increase the dose or number of hypoglycemic agents when niacin is started (4458,4860,4863,11689,12033). Occasionally, severe hyperglycemia requiring hospitalization can occur (11693). In patients with impaired fasting glucose levels, niacin may also increase fasting blood glucose, and adding colesevelam might attenuate this effect (93343).
Although patients without diabetes seem to only experience small and clinically insignificant increases in glucose (4458), niacin might increase their risk of developing diabetes. A meta-analysis of clinical research involving over 26,000 patients shows that using niacin over 5 years is associated with increased prevalence of new onset type 2 diabetes at a rate of 1 additional case of diabetes for every 43 patients treated with niacin (96207). This finding is limited because the individual trials were not designed to assess diabetes risk and the analysis could not be adjusted for confounding factors like obesity. One small clinical study shows that taking extended-release niacin with ezetimibe/simvastatin does not increase the risk of a new diagnosis of diabetes or need for antidiabetic medication when compared with ezetimibe/simvastatin alone after 16 months (93344). This may indicate that the increased risk of developing diabetes is associated with niacin use for more than 16 months.
Niacin therapy has also been linked with hypothyroidism and its associated alterations in thyroid hormone and binding globulin tests (such as decreased total serum thyroxine, increased triiodothyronine, decreased thyroxine-binding globulin levels, and increased triiodothyronine uptake) (25916,25925,25926,25928).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, large doses of niacin can cause gastrointestinal disturbances including nausea, vomiting, bloating, heartburn, abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea, constipation, and activation of peptic ulcers (4458,4863,12033,26083,93341,96211). These effects may be reduced by taking the drug with meals or antacid, and usually disappear within two weeks of continued therapy (4851,26094). Gastrointestinal effects may be more common with time-release preparations of niacin (11691).
Hematologic ...Orally, sustained-release niacin has been associated with cases of reversible coagulopathy, mild eosinophilia, and decreased platelet counts (4818,25915,26097,93340). Also, there have been reports of patients who developed leukopenia while taking niacin for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia (25916).
Hepatic ...Orally, niacin is associated with elevated liver function tests and jaundice, especially with doses of 3 grams/day or more, and when doses are rapidly increased (4458,4863,6243). The risk of hepatotoxicity appears to be higher with slow-release and extended-release products (4855,4856,4863,6243,11691,12026,12033,93342). Niacin should be discontinued if liver function tests rise to three times the upper limit of normal (4863). There are rare cases of severe hepatotoxicity with fulminant hepatitis and encephalopathy due to niacin (4863,6243,11691). Also, there is at least one case of niacin-induced coagulopathy resulting from liver injury without liver enzyme changes (93340).
Musculoskeletal ...Orally, niacin has been associated with elevated creatine kinase levels (4818,4888). Also, several cases of niacin-induced myopathy have been reported (26100,26111). Concomitant administration of niacin and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis (14508,25918,26111); patients should be monitored closely.
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, high-dose niacin has been associated with cases of neuropsychiatric adverse events such as extreme pain and psychosis. Two 65-year-old males taking niacin orally for 5 months for the treatment of dyslipidemias developed severe dental and gingival pain. The pain was relieved by the discontinuation of niacin. The pain was thought to be due to inflammation and pain referral to the teeth (4862). In one case report, a 52-year-old male with no history of psychiatric illness who initially complained of hot flushes when taking niacin 500 mg daily, presented with an acute psychotic episode involving mania after niacin was increased to 1000 mg daily (93350).
Ocular/Otic ...Orally, chronic use of large amounts of niacin has been associated with dry eyes, toxic amblyopia, blurred vision, eyelid swelling, eyelid discoloration, loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, proptosis, keratitis, macular edema, and cystic maculopathy, which appear to be dose-dependent and reversible (4863,6243,26112).
General
...Orally, selenium is generally well-tolerated when used in doses that do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 400 mcg daily.
Intravenously, selenium is generally well-tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Gastric discomfort, headache, and rash. Excessive amounts can cause alopecia, dermatitis, fatigue, nail changes, nausea and vomiting, and weight loss.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Excessive ingestion has led to cases of multi-organ failure and death.
Dermatologic ...Excess selenium can produce selenosis in humans, affecting liver, skin, nails, and hair (74304,74326,74397,74495,90360) as well as dermatitis (74304). Results from the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Trial conducted among individuals at high risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer demonstrate that selenium supplementation is ineffective at preventing basal cell carcinoma and that it increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and total nonmelanoma skin cancer (10687). Mild skin rash has been reported in patients taking up to 200 mcg of selenium daily for up to 12 months (97943).
Endocrine
...Multiple clinical studies have found an association between increased intake of selenium, either in the diet or as a supplement, and the risk for type 2 diabetes (97091,99661).
One meta-analysis shows that a selenium plasma level of 90 mcg/L or 140 mcg/L is associated with a 50% or 260% increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, respectively, when compared with plasma levels below 90 mcg/L. Additionally, consuming selenium in amounts exceeding the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes when compared with consuming less than the RDA daily. Also, taking selenium 200 mcg daily as a supplement is associated with an 11% increased risk for diabetes when compared with a placebo supplement (99661).
Hypothyroidism, secondary to iodine deficiency, has been reported as a result of selenium intravenous administration (14563,14565). One large human clinical trial suggested a possible increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the selenium group (16707).
Gastrointestinal ...In human research, nausea, vomiting, and liver dysfunction has been reported as a result of high selenium exposure (74439,74376). Mild gastric discomfort has been reported in patients taking up to 200 mcg of selenium daily for up to 12 months (97943).
Genitourinary ...The effect of selenium supplementation on semen parameters is unclear. In human research, selenium supplementation may reduce sperm motility (9729); however, follow-up research reported no effect on sperm motility or any other semen quality parameter (74441).
Neurologic/CNS ...Chronic exposure to organic and inorganic selenium may cause neurotoxicity, particularly motor neuron degeneration, leading to an increased risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (74304). Mild headache has been reported in patients taking up to 200 mcg of selenium daily for up to 12 months (97943).
