Selenium in the Supplement as the Probable Cause of Hair Loss and Nail Dystrophy

The document presents a case study of a 48-year-old woman who experienced severe hair loss and nail discoloration and brittleness after taking selenium (Se) supplements and consuming selenium-rich nuts for 4 months. The woman's selenium level was found to be 1300 μg/L, significantly higher than the normal range of 23–190 μg/L. After she stopped taking the supplements and eating nuts, her symptoms improved over a period of 6 months. The study concludes that high levels of selenium, whether from supplements or diet, can lead to hair loss and nail abnormalities, a condition known as chronic selenosis. The authors recommend caution in selenium intake, especially in individuals experiencing hair loss and nail dystrophies.