Ingestion of a Dietary Supplement Resulting in Selenium Toxicity

June 2010 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

R. Erin Lopez, Alfred L. Knable, Joyti B. Burruss, R. Erin Lopez, Alfred L. Knable, Joyti B. Burruss

selenium toxicity hair loss Total Body Formula selenium chromium scalp eruptions nail discoloration

TLDR Excessive selenium in supplements can cause hair loss and nail issues.

In 2008, the FDA warned against certain "Total Body Formula" supplements due to excessive selenium and chromium levels. Two patients experienced symptoms of selenium toxicity, including hair loss and nail discoloration, after consuming these supplements. Patient 1, a 45-year-old woman, showed symptoms like scalp eruptions and hair loss, which began 7 days after starting the supplement and continued for 30 days. Her selenium levels were normal in serum and urine tests but elevated in hair analysis. Patient 2, a 56-year-old woman, had similar symptoms. Both patients' symptoms improved months after stopping the supplement. The study highlighted the importance of recognizing selenium poisoning symptoms, as there was no specific treatment, and recovery relied on supportive care.

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