Selenium: what your result means.

A trace mineral essential for thyroid function and antioxidant defence. Selenium is measured by blood test as part of the Nutritional panel in the HodieLabs Health Blueprint.

Why Selenium matters

Selenium has a U-shaped dose-response, both deficiency and excess are harmful. Australian soils are generally adequate for selenium, but vegetarians may be at risk.

Associated risks when out of range: Deficiency impairs thyroid function (selenium is required for T4-to-T3 conversion), immune function, and antioxidant defence. Excess selenium (>400 µg/day) is toxic. Causes selenosis (hair loss, nail brittleness, GI upset).

What the clinical evidence shows

The evidence base behind how the HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library interprets Selenium, from randomised trials, prospective cohorts and genetic (Mendelian randomisation) studies. Full citations in the reference list below.

• SELECT trial (Lippman et al. JAMA 2009): selenium supplementation did not prevent prostate cancer in the largest cancer-prevention trial ever run. Evidence supports correcting measured deficiency, not routine supplementation in the replete.

Evidence-based reference ranges

The HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library interprets Selenium against published clinical authority standards, never arbitrary "optimal" ranges. Measured in µmol/L:

Clinical interpretation

• Selenium has a U-shaped dose-response, both deficiency and excess are harmful.
• Australian soils are generally adequate for selenium, but vegetarians may be at risk.
• Selenoprotein P is a more specific functional marker than serum selenium.

What improves it: the evidence-based levers

• 3–4 Brazil nuts per day provide ~200 µg selenium, the simplest dietary intervention
• Avoid supplementation if levels are already adequate, narrow therapeutic window

Recommended testing frequency: Annual, as part of a comprehensive panel. Single markers are always interpreted in context.

How Selenium testing works at HodieLabs

Selenium is measured in every Health Blueprint at our Melbourne Preventative Health & Longevity Clinic, interpreted by a doctor against the guideline-cited ranges above and tracked over time through your HodieLabs membership.

References

1. Lippman SM, et al. Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancers (SELECT). JAMA. 2009;301:39–51.

This page is general information from the HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library, not medical advice. Speak with your GP about what testing and care is appropriate for you.