wo ist selen enthalten — can a DNA test help?

Selenium is an essential trace mineral found in Brazil nuts, seafood (tuna, sardines), meat (liver, beef), eggs, and mushrooms. Its content in food varies greatly by soil selenium levels. A DNA test cannot directly tell you whether you are getting enough selenium or whether your selenium status is optimal. While some genetic variants in selenoprotein genes (e.g., GPX1, SEPP1) influence selenium metabolism, consumer DNA tests like MyBody-X do not routinely include these markers. The test focuses on detox genes such as NQO1 (rs1800566), which is unrelated to selenium. The evidence for using DNA to personalize selenium intake is weak; no validated consumer test can predict deficiency or toxicity. A blood test (serum selenium) remains the gold standard. Caution: selenium is toxic in high doses; supplementation without proven need can be harmful. Bottom line: a DNA test is not helpful for assessing selenium status.