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Selenium Toxicity: A Case of Selenosis Caused by a Nutritional Supplement
- Mark E. Sutter, MD;
- Jerry D. Thomas, MD;
- Jennifer Brown, MD; and
- Brent Morgan, MD
- From Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30303.
Background: Selenium is a nonmetal element that serves vital roles in normal physiologic function. Substantial toxicity can occur with excessive selenium consumption. In March 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had received reports of adverse reactions to over-the-counter liquid nutritional supplements marketed as Total Body Formula and Total Body Mega Formula (distributed by Total Body Essential Nutrition, Atlanta, Georgia) (1). A voluntary recall of these products was implemented. In May 2008, the FDA found substantially elevated selenium levels and modestly elevated chromium levels in the products (2).
Objective: To describe the clinical features of a patient with selenium toxicity after ingesting Total Body Formula Peach Nectar liquid supplement with a selenium formulation error.
Case Report: A 55-year-old woman presented with a 6-week history of diarrhea followed by progressive hair loss 2 weeks …
