Selenium recommended daily intake
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Selenium Recommended Daily Intake: Guidelines and Population Data
Recommended Daily Intake for Adults and Children
Most health authorities recommend a daily selenium intake of 60 μg/day for women and 70 μg/day for men, based on the amount needed to saturate selenoprotein P in plasma, which is important for optimal body function and antioxidant defense 23. For children and adolescents, the recommended intake is adjusted according to body weight, and for infants, values range from 10 μg/day (0–4 months) to 15 μg/day (4–12 months) . Lactating women are advised to consume slightly more, at 75 μg/day, while no additional intake is recommended for pregnant women .
Upper Intake Levels and Safety
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for selenium in adults is set at 255 μg/day to avoid adverse effects such as hair loss (alopecia), which is a well-established sign of selenium toxicity . Some studies suggest that a maximum acceptable daily intake could be as high as 500 μg/day, especially in populations with high fish consumption, but this is considered a tentative upper limit and not a general recommendation . For children, the UL is scaled down based on body weight .
Selenium Intake in Different Populations
Average selenium intake varies by country and diet. For example, Irish adults have a mean daily intake of about 71.5 μg/day, with men consuming more than women, but nearly half the population does not meet the recommended adequate intake . In Saudi Arabia, daily selenium intake ranges from 75 to 121.7 μg/person/day, with cereals, legumes, and meats as the main sources . In some high-selenium regions, such as Enshi, China, daily intake can reach 550 μg, raising concerns about potential toxicity, although no recent cases of selenosis have been reported .
Health Effects of Selenium Intake
Selenium is essential for immune function, thyroid hormone production, and antioxidant defense . Deficiency can cause reproductive and other health disorders . Studies show that selenium intake at recommended levels (≥55 μg/day) may reduce cancer risk, especially in men, but both low and excessively high intakes are associated with increased cancer risk, forming a U-shaped relationship 69. The safe range for cancer risk reduction appears to be around 110–124 μg/day in some populations .
Conclusion
The recommended daily intake of selenium is 60–70 μg for adults, with slightly higher needs for lactating women and lower needs for children and infants 23. The upper safe limit is 255 μg/day for adults, and regular intakes above this level should be avoided to prevent toxicity . Most populations meet or are close to these recommendations, but both deficiency and excess can pose health risks, highlighting the importance of balanced selenium intake 489.
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