The Claim

The tolerable upper intake level for selenium in Chinese adults should be reduced from 400 to 255 micrograms per day because selenium intake above 255 micrograms per day increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Source: Dietary Reference Intakes of Selenium for Chinese Residents.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
47score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In Chinese adults, consuming more than 255 micrograms of selenium per day is associated with a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes, so the recommended maximum intake should be lowered from 400 to 255 micrograms per day.

See the scientific wording

The tolerable upper intake level for selenium in Chinese adults should be reduced from 400 to 255 micrograms per day based on increased risk of type 2 diabetes observed in the SELECT trial at intakes above this threshold.

Why this might work

Too much selenium causes cells to produce too many reactive molecules that damage proteins and interfere with insulin's ability to signal, leading to cells ignoring insulin and blood sugar rising.

Suggested mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Dietary Reference Intakes of Selenium for Chinese Residents.

    This study says eating more than 255 micrograms of selenium a day might raise the risk of getting type 2 diabetes, so it recommends lowering the safe upper limit from 400 to 255 micrograms to keep people healthy.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.