Selenium is an essential mineral required in small amounts for humans at any age or condition.
It is an important component of many enzymes, necessary for proper thyroid function, and also supports the immunity system.
Selenium deficiency is associated with reduced immune cell counts and higher risk of death for HIV patients.
Recommended Dietary Intakes for Selenium
Dietary Reference Intakes for selenium for Americans is developed by the US Institute of Medicine. Below is a chart for the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for all ages, and Adequate Intake for infants for selenium.
The RDA recommends the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in each age and gender group.
The EAR recommends the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of the average (median) healthy individuals in each age and gender group.
An AI is set when there is insufficient scientific data available to establish a RDA. AIs meet or exceed the amount needed to maintain a nutritional state of adequacy in nearly all members of a specific age and gender group.
Table 1: Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for selenium for children and adults.
| Age, gender, life stage group | Selenium EAR (μg/day) | Selenium RDA (μg/day) |
|---|---|---|
|
Infants
|
||
| 0–6 month | - | - |
| 7–12 month | - | - |
|
Children, teens
|
||
| 1–3 years | 17 | 20 |
| 4–8 years | 23 | 30 |
| 9–13 years | 35 | 40 |
| 14–18 years | 45 | 55 |
| Adults | ||
| 19 years and older | 45 | 55 |
|
Pregnant Women
|
||
| all ages | 49 | 60 |
|
Lactating Women
|
||
| All ages | 59 | 70 |
There is insufficient information on selenium to establish an EAR or RDA for infants. An Adequate Intake (AI) has been established that is based on the amount of selenium consumed by healthy infants who are fed breast milk.
Table 2: Adequate Intake for selenium for infants
| Age (months) | Males and Females (μg/day) |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | 15 |
| 7-12 months | 20 |
Results of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III-1988-94) indicated that diets of most Americans provide recommended amounts of selenium.
Source:
Institute of Medicine (2006). Dietary Reference Intakes: The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
Office of dietary supplements, NIH.