High selenium status increases risk of high cholesterol and diabetes.

Selenium, an essential element necessary for proper cellular function, has recently become a popular supplement thought to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. A new British study has linked high levels of selenium to increased levels of total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. The U.K. has lower selenium status that the U.S. making it a good place for a study like this. High selenium status has also recently been linked to a higher incidence of diabetes.