Selenium
Selenium is one of the trace minerals — the minerals the body needs only in tiny amounts. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, substances the body needs in small amounts to work properly. Taken in excess, chromium, manganese or selenium can cause heavy metal poisoning.
Why it matters: Selenium is one of the metals a heavy metal test may less commonly look for. A heavy metal test checks for high levels of toxic or potentially harmful metals in the body, using a blood, urine, hair or fingernail sample, and a provider may order one where there are signs of heavy metal poisoning or a known exposure.
Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, related conditions
Source · Cleveland Clinic — why it matters
What is Selenium?
Selenium is one of the trace minerals — the minerals the body needs only in tiny amounts. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, substances the body needs in small amounts to work properly. Taken in excess, chromium, manganese or selenium can cause heavy metal poisoning.
What might a high or low Selenium mean?
Selenium is one of the metals a heavy metal test may less commonly look for. A heavy metal test checks for high levels of toxic or potentially harmful metals in the body, using a blood, urine, hair or fingernail sample, and a provider may order one where there are signs of heavy metal poisoning or a known exposure.
What is the typical reference range for Selenium?
The general-population reference range shown here is 70 – 150 µg/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.