Is Selenium Safe?
Independent health safety analysis · Updated March 26, 2026
48
Safety Concerns Noted
Significant safety concerns — consult a healthcare provider before use
D
Selenium has some safety concerns that warrant attention based on a Nerq Safety Score of 48.2/100 (D). Selenium is a dietary supplement. Essential trace mineral and antioxidant. Strong evidence for thyroid function. Narrow therapeutic window — toxic in excess (selenosis).
Overall assessment: Selenium is associated with safety concerns that require medical supervision.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making health decisions.
Key Safety Findings
⚠Nerq Safety Score: 48.2/100 (Fair)
⚠FDA (US): DSHEA regulated (dietary supplement)
✓Evidence Level: Strong — well-studied
Regulatory Status of Selenium
FDA (US)
DSHEA regulated (dietary supplement)
Evidence Level
Strong — well-studied
Data sourced from official regulatory databases. Always verify with the relevant authority for the most current status.
What are the safety concerns for Selenium?
The primary area of concern is FDA (US) (48/100). Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Selenium safe to take daily?
Selenium has a Nerq Safety Score of 48.2/100 (D). Some Safety Concerns. Significant concerns identified. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
What are the side effects of Selenium?
Safety Profile score: 48/100. Side effects have been reported. Consult a healthcare provider.
Does Selenium interact with medications?
Drug Interactions score: 48/100. Drug interactions have been documented. Always consult your doctor.
Is Selenium FDA approved?
Dietary supplements are not FDA-approved in the same way as drugs. The FDA regulates supplements under DSHEA. Regulatory Status score: 48/100.
Is Selenium banned in any countries?
Regulatory Status score: 48/100. Some jurisdictions may restrict this supplement. Check local regulations.
What is the recommended dosage of Selenium?
Dosage varies by formulation and individual needs. Always follow the manufacturer's label and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing.
How does Selenium compare to similar supplements?
Selenium has a safety score of 48.2/100. Compare with similar supplements below to find the best option for your needs.
How we calculated this score
Selenium's safety score of 48.2/100 (D) is based on analysis of published toxicology data, regulatory filings, clinical studies, and adverse event reports. The score reflects 5 health-specific dimensions: FDA (US) (48/100, DSHEA regulated (dietary supplement)), Evidence Level (48/100, Strong — well-studied), Data Pending (48/100, ), Data Pending (48/100, ), Data Pending (48/100, ).
Nerq indexes over 7.5 million entities across 26 registries, enabling direct cross-category comparison. Scores are updated as new safety data becomes available.
Full methodology documentation · Machine-readable data (JSON API)
Last updated: March 26, 2026 · Data sources: NIH, FDA, PubMed, ConsumerLab, USP
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, nutritional, or dermatological advice.
Always consult a qualified professional before making health-related decisions.
Data sourced from FDA, EFSA, NIH, and peer-reviewed research.
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