Selenium deficiency: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Selenium deficiency | |||
| image = [[File:Se-TableImage.svg|150px]] | |||
| caption = Selenium on the periodic table | |||
| field = [[Endocrinology]], [[Nutrition]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Fatigue]], [[muscle weakness]], [[cardiomyopathy]], [[hypothyroidism]], [[impaired immune function]] | |||
| complications = [[Keshan disease]], [[Kashin-Beck disease]], [[infertility]] | |||
| onset = Varies | |||
| duration = Chronic if untreated | |||
| causes = [[Inadequate dietary intake]], [[malabsorption]], [[total parenteral nutrition]] without selenium | |||
| risks = [[Poor soil selenium content]], [[vegan diet]], [[gastrointestinal disorders]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Blood test]] for selenium levels | |||
| differential = [[Hypothyroidism]], [[cardiomyopathy]], [[nutritional deficiencies]] | |||
| prevention = Adequate dietary intake of selenium | |||
| treatment = [[Selenium supplementation]], [[dietary changes]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare in developed countries | |||
}} | |||
'''Selenium deficiency''' is a condition characterized by a lack of the essential mineral [[selenium]] in the diet. Selenium is necessary for the proper functioning of the body and is involved in various metabolic processes. Deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, including [[Keshan disease]], [[Kashin-Beck disease]], and [[myxedematous endemic cretinism]]. | '''Selenium deficiency''' is a condition characterized by a lack of the essential mineral [[selenium]] in the diet. Selenium is necessary for the proper functioning of the body and is involved in various metabolic processes. Deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, including [[Keshan disease]], [[Kashin-Beck disease]], and [[myxedematous endemic cretinism]]. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Selenium deficiency can be caused by a diet low in selenium-rich foods, such as [[Brazil nuts]], [[seafood]], and [[organ meats]]. It can also occur in individuals with certain digestive disorders, such as [[Crohn's disease]] and [[ulcerative colitis]], which can prevent the body from properly absorbing selenium. | Selenium deficiency can be caused by a diet low in selenium-rich foods, such as [[Brazil nuts]], [[seafood]], and [[organ meats]]. It can also occur in individuals with certain digestive disorders, such as [[Crohn's disease]] and [[ulcerative colitis]], which can prevent the body from properly absorbing selenium. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Symptoms of selenium deficiency can vary, but may include [[fatigue]], [[muscle weakness]], [[hair loss]], and [[immune system dysfunction]]. In severe cases, it can lead to heart disease and other serious health problems. | Symptoms of selenium deficiency can vary, but may include [[fatigue]], [[muscle weakness]], [[hair loss]], and [[immune system dysfunction]]. In severe cases, it can lead to heart disease and other serious health problems. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of selenium deficiency is typically made through a [[blood test]] that measures the level of selenium in the body. Other tests may be used to assess the overall nutritional status of the individual and to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the deficiency. | Diagnosis of selenium deficiency is typically made through a [[blood test]] that measures the level of selenium in the body. Other tests may be used to assess the overall nutritional status of the individual and to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the deficiency. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for selenium deficiency typically involves increasing the intake of selenium-rich foods or taking selenium [[supplements]]. In some cases, treatment may also involve addressing any underlying conditions that are contributing to the deficiency. | Treatment for selenium deficiency typically involves increasing the intake of selenium-rich foods or taking selenium [[supplements]]. In some cases, treatment may also involve addressing any underlying conditions that are contributing to the deficiency. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Prevention of selenium deficiency involves consuming a balanced diet that includes selenium-rich foods. Regular [[nutritional assessment]]s can also help to identify any potential deficiencies before they become serious. | Prevention of selenium deficiency involves consuming a balanced diet that includes selenium-rich foods. Regular [[nutritional assessment]]s can also help to identify any potential deficiencies before they become serious. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Selenium]] | * [[Selenium]] | ||
| Line 22: | Line 35: | ||
* [[Myxedematous endemic cretinism]] | * [[Myxedematous endemic cretinism]] | ||
* [[Nutritional deficiency]] | * [[Nutritional deficiency]] | ||
[[Category:Health]] | [[Category:Health]] | ||
[[Category:Nutrition]] | [[Category:Nutrition]] | ||
[[Category:Diseases and disorders]] | [[Category:Diseases and disorders]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:52, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Selenium deficiency | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fatigue, muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, impaired immune function |
| Complications | Keshan disease, Kashin-Beck disease, infertility |
| Onset | Varies |
| Duration | Chronic if untreated |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, total parenteral nutrition without selenium |
| Risks | Poor soil selenium content, vegan diet, gastrointestinal disorders |
| Diagnosis | Blood test for selenium levels |
| Differential diagnosis | Hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy, nutritional deficiencies |
| Prevention | Adequate dietary intake of selenium |
| Treatment | Selenium supplementation, dietary changes |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare in developed countries |
| Deaths | N/A |
Selenium deficiency is a condition characterized by a lack of the essential mineral selenium in the diet. Selenium is necessary for the proper functioning of the body and is involved in various metabolic processes. Deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, including Keshan disease, Kashin-Beck disease, and myxedematous endemic cretinism.
Causes[edit]
Selenium deficiency can be caused by a diet low in selenium-rich foods, such as Brazil nuts, seafood, and organ meats. It can also occur in individuals with certain digestive disorders, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which can prevent the body from properly absorbing selenium.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of selenium deficiency can vary, but may include fatigue, muscle weakness, hair loss, and immune system dysfunction. In severe cases, it can lead to heart disease and other serious health problems.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of selenium deficiency is typically made through a blood test that measures the level of selenium in the body. Other tests may be used to assess the overall nutritional status of the individual and to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the deficiency.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for selenium deficiency typically involves increasing the intake of selenium-rich foods or taking selenium supplements. In some cases, treatment may also involve addressing any underlying conditions that are contributing to the deficiency.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of selenium deficiency involves consuming a balanced diet that includes selenium-rich foods. Regular nutritional assessments can also help to identify any potential deficiencies before they become serious.


