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SELENIUM IS HIGHLY TOXIC but traces of it ARE essential for the function of some
enzyme systems.
 
In adults the estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake of selenium is
0.05 to 0.2 mg.  For infants and children up to 6 years of age, dosage
requirements are even less ranging anywhere from 0.01 mg to 0.12 mg daily
depending on the child's age. (The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics,
Goodman & Gilman, 1985)
 
Selenium supplements should not be taken unless it has been determined by blood
tests that the blood level is below normal. They should only be  taken on the
advice and under the supervison of a physician and periodical blood samples
should be taken to ensure that selenium levels stay within normal levels.
Selenium toxicity has very serious consequences on the liver which can include
toxic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and cancer of the liver.
 
Marilyn McCool, BSc. Pharm. [log in to unmask]