Selenium is used to treat or prevent selenium deficiency. Selenium has been used in alternative medicine as an aid to treat Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid), and to treat high cholesterol.

What does selenium do for the body?

Selenium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Selenium is important for reproduction, thyroid gland function, DNA production, and protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals and from infection.

Is taking selenium safe?

When taken by mouth: Selenium is likely safe when taken in doses less than 400 mcg daily, short-term. But selenium is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses or for a long time. Taking doses above 400 mcg daily can increase the risk of developing selenium toxicity.