Selenium measures the level of this essential trace mineral in your blood. Selenium plays a key role in thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense, and immune system function.
Category: Vitamins & Minerals
Also known as: selenium, se, serum selenium
Reference range: 70–150 µg/L (Source: ABIM)
Standard unit: µg/L
High values may indicate
High selenium levels may indicate selenium toxicity (selenosis) from excessive supplementation, which can cause garlic breath odor, hair loss, nail brittleness, nausea, and nerve damage.
Low values may indicate
Low selenium levels may indicate poor dietary intake, malabsorption, or living in selenium-depleted soil regions, and can contribute to weakened immune function, thyroid dysfunction, and Keshan disease (a cardiomyopathy).