A Selenium Blood Test is a medical diagnostic test used to determine the amount of selenium in a person's blood. Selenium is an important trace element, which means that it is needed in minute levels for appropriate physiological function in the body. It is essential for a variety of functions, including antioxidant defense, immune system support, and thyroid hormone metabolism.
This blood test is frequently given to determine a person's selenium status. Selenium insufficiency can cause muscle weakness, weariness, and perhaps more serious diseases over time. Excessive selenium consumption, on the other hand, can be detrimental.
Monitoring selenium levels in the blood allows healthcare providers to identify whether a person has an acceptable quantity of selenium, a deficit, or an excess. Based on the findings of the tests, appropriate dietary adjustments or supplementation may be suggested to maintain a healthy selenium balance in the body. When there is a worry about selenium deficiency or excess in the diet, or when specific health conditions or symptoms signal the need for investigation, the test is often recommended.