Selenium Toxicity: A Case of Selenosis Caused by a Nutritional Supplement
Authors: Mark E. Sutter
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2008)

Letters17 June 2008Selenium Toxicity: A Case of Selenosis Caused by a Nutritional SupplementMark E. Sutter, MD, Jerry D. Thomas, MD, Jennifer Brown, MD, and Brent Morgan, MDMark E. Sutter, MDFrom Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30303., Jerry D. Thomas, MDFrom Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30303., Jennifer Brown, MDFrom Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30303., and Brent Morgan, MDFrom Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30303.Author, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-148-12-200806170-00015 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail Background: Selenium is a nonmetal element that serves vital roles in normal physiologic function. Substantial toxicity can occur with excessive selenium consumption. In March 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had received reports of adverse reactions to over-the-counter liquid nutritional supplements marketed as Total Body Formula and Total Body Mega Formula (distributed by Total Body Essential Nutrition, Atlanta, Georgia) (1). A voluntary recall of these products was implemented. In May 2008, the FDA found substantially elevated selenium levels and modestly elevated chromium levels in the products (2).Objective: To describe the clinical features of a ...References1. FDA warns consumers about "Total Body Formula" and "Total Body Mega Formula" [press release]. 27 March 2008. Accessed at www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01812.html on 5 May 2008. Google Scholar2. FDA completes final analysis of "Total Body Formula" and "Total Body Mega Formula" products [press release]. 1 May 2008. Accessed at www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01831.html on 5 May 2008. Google Scholar3. Levander OA. Scientific rationale for the 1989 recommended dietary allowance for selenium. J Am Diet Assoc. 1991;91:1572-6. [PMID: 1960351] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. Sagher D, Brunell D, Brot N, Vallee BL, Weissbach H. Selenocompounds can serve as oxidoreductants with the methionine sulfoxide reductase enzymes. J Biol Chem. 2006;281:31184-7. [PMID: 16916796] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. Stadtman TC. Selenium biochemistry. Science. 1974;183:915-22. [PMID: 4605100] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: Mark E. Sutter, MD; Jerry D. Thomas, MD; Jennifer Brown, MD; Brent Morgan, MDAffiliations: From Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30303.Disclosures: None disclosed. 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(From page 31)Selenometabolomics: Identification of selenometabolites and specification of their biological significance by complementary use of elemental and molecular mass spectrometry 17 June 2008Volume 148, Issue 12Page: 970-971KeywordsChromiumDiarrheaFatigueNutritionSeleniumStable coronary artery diseaseToxicityVitaminsVomiting ePublished: 17 June 2008 Issue Published: 17 June 2008 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2008 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...