Selenium

Elevated selenium levels might mean that you're consuming too much of this mineral, possibly through your diet or supplements. Some foods, like Brazil nuts, seafood, and organ meats, have high amounts of selenium, and eating too much of them could lead to increased levels. Also, certain multivitamins and dietary supplements contain selenium, which, if not taken carefully, could contribute to an excess. Some medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs or corticosteroids, might also affect your selenium levels. High selenium levels could also indicate a health issue that impacts how your body absorbs and utilizes this mineral.

Symptoms of high levels of Selenium could include garlic breath, metallic taste in the mouth, brittle hair or nails, skin rashes, nausea, and fatigue.

Low selenium levels might mean that your diet is lacking in foods rich in this essential mineral, such as Brazil nuts, seafood, and meat. It could also indicate that your body is having trouble absorbing nutrients properly. Lifestyle factors like smoking, heavy alcohol use, or taking certain medications (like corticosteroids or antacids) could also affect your selenium levels. Additionally, low levels could be linked to specific health conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders that impact nutrient absorption, or situations where a high-protein diet is needed, since protein helps transport selenium in the body.

Symptoms of low levels of Selenium could include fatigue, mental fog, weakened immune system, and hair loss.