Lab marker · Low

Low Selenium: what it means

A Selenium result below the normal range is considered low. Here is what a reduced Selenium can point to, and when it is worth discussing with a doctor.

Reference range: ~0.9–1.6 umol/L; a trace element for antioxidant enzymes and thyroid hormone; both deficiency and supplement toxicity are possible

Understand your full result

What a low Selenium can mean

  • Malabsorption — coeliac or bowel disease reducing absorption.
  • Long-term artificial (intravenous) feeding without selenium.
  • Very selenium-poor soil regions — historically linked to a heart-muscle disease (Keshan disease).
  • Possible effects — reduced immunity and altered thyroid function.

When to discuss with a doctor

Selenium is a targeted test, not routine. It is worth checking in someone with malabsorption or on long-term artificial feeding who might be deficient, or when selenium toxicity is suspected from high-dose supplements (hair and nail changes, garlic breath, nerve or gut symptoms). Because the safe range is narrow, routine high-dose selenium supplementation in well-nourished people is not recommended and can do harm. Its level is interpreted with the clinical context and albumin. Mediora.AI shows selenium alongside thyroid and related markers so the level is read in context; the interpretation and any supplement change belong with your doctor.

Keep reading

One value is a snapshot. Upload the full test to see every marker explained together.

Upload your test - free

Mediora.AI is informational - interpretation, not a diagnosis. A single out-of-range value is common and often benign; always discuss decisions with your doctor.