Brazil Nuts Risk Selenium Overload

Brazil nuts contain so much selenium that a single nut can supply 68 to 91 mcg, or about 124% to 165% of an adult's recommended daily amount of 55 mcg. Because their selenium content varies, five nuts could contain between 340 and 455 mcg. At the high end, that exceeds the adult daily upper limit of 400 mcg. Consuming too much selenium over time can cause garlic breath, a metallic taste, hair loss, brittle nails, nausea, and nervous system problems.

Previous Fact Next Fact