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Brazil Nut Overdose Could Be Toxic

Q. My wife is always telling me not to eat so many Brazil nuts. The last 10 days I have eaten more than usual, up to six a day. I probably ate at least 40 nuts. I estimate that batch contained up to 6 mg of selenium, which is way too much.

I have noticed a metallic taste in my mouth. That’s a known symptom of selenium toxicity, so I am going to stop for a while and not OD in the future!

A. Your wife is right about not pigging out on Brazil nuts. Brazil nuts are high in selenium and an ounce (roughly half a dozen) provides 800 micrograms. That’s about double the US recommended tolerable upper limit. Overindulging regularly could lead to selenium toxicity. Symptoms may include a metallic taste, garlic odor on the breath, hair loss, brittle nails, fatigue, nausea, rash, diarrhea, runny nose, cough and nerve pain. Selenium-containing supplements are another potential source of this mineral.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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