The organization and daily routine of a wagon train depended on the danger expected from the Native American tribes into whose territory it had traveled, the terrain, and the size of the caravan. Mormon trains, in particular, had a semi military formation.
Side effects. Taken at normal doses, selenium does not usually have side effects. An overdose of selenium may cause bad breath, fever, and nausea, as well as liver, kidney and heart problems and other symptoms. At high enough levels, selenium could cause death.
Government guidelines recommend 55 micrograms (mcg) of selenium per day, but for optimal health and disease prevention, up that to 200 mcg per day. And we believe it's best to get this mineral from food, not supplements. Too much selenium can be toxic, so don't overdo it -- keep your daily intake below 400 mcg.