Fish, seafood, poultry, meat, milk, eggs, Brazil nuts and grains and soybeans grown in selenium-rich soil are good sources. Selenium levels in plant-based foods vary with the selenium content of the land on which the food is grown. In general, more selenium-rich soil can be found west of the Mississippi, especially in the upper Great Plains where most of the grains and soybeans are grown in this country. A Caution Against Excess Getting too much selenium can have serious side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, fatigue and possibly skin rashes and liver cirrhosis. Since Americans, on average, get adequate selenium from their diets, supplements are probably unnecessary and may pose health risks.
Selenium is toxic when taken at high levels.
Future Selenium Research Expect to see more about this trace mineral in the news. Selenium's prevention potential seems to be high, and research is quickly unlocking its abilities. Through his continued research, Dr. Newburger hopes to learn more about how the body uses selenium and which forms of the mineral are most bio-available, or absorbable, by the body. Keep reading for a look at other selenium research. At the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, Lin Yan,Ph.D., is testing the idea that soybeans with a high selenium content may prevent the development of primary tumors as well as the spread of cancer in the body.