How can selenium deficiency be treated

This book is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4. Turn recording back on. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U. StatPearls [Internet]. Search term. Selenium Deficiency Aparna P.

Author Information Authors Aparna P. Affiliations 1 University of Tennessee. Continuing Education Activity Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to human health. Introduction Selenium Se is a trace mineral that is essential to human health. Etiology Selenium is present in the soil and dictates the concentrations in plant foods.

Epidemiology Selenium deficiency affects anywhere from million to 1 billion people worldwide, due to inadequate intake. Pathophysiology Cardiovascular System [9] [10] Keshan disease is congestive cardiomyopathy associated with heart failure, cardiac enlargement, electrocardiogram ECG abnormalities, gallop rhythm, and even cardiogenic shock.

Endocrine System Of the 35 selenoproteins that have been identified so far, 3 of them are called Iodothyronine deiodinases, and they play a role in thyroid hormone metabolism. Immune System and Host Defense Glutathione peroxidase G-Px is a selenium-dependent enzyme that protects cell membranes and lipid-containing organelles from peroxidative damage by inhibition and destruction.

Musculoskeletal System Kashin-Beck disease is a disabling deformity of bones, cartilage, and joints leading to enlarged joints and restricted movements. Neurology and Psychiatric Systems Studies have shown that selenium deprivation can lead to depressed mood and more hostile behavior. Reproductive System Selenium is essential for testosterone biosynthesis and the formation and development of normal spermatozoa.

History and Physical Symptoms of severe selenium deficiency are primarily related to heart muscles and joints. Evaluation Selenium deficiency can present with many varying symptoms. Differential Diagnosis Addison Disease. Prognosis If identified, this is a condition that can be treated with supplementation. Pearls and Other Issues Selenium is a vital trace element found in food that plays a role in the production of active thyroid hormones, immune system functioning, cognitive health, and is an antioxidant.

There is a narrow therapeutic window for selenium, which can become toxic if the doses are exceeded. Keshan disease is a disease related to selenium deficiency in endemic regions of China, which results in congestive cardiomyopathy, heart failure, cardiomegaly, and ECG changes. It is often triggered by the presence of Coxsackievirus or some chemical trigger.

Kashin-Beck is a disease associated with deformity of bones, cartilage, and joints that causes restricted movements as a result of enlarged joints.

The etiology of this disease is multifactorial, with one culprit being selenium-deficiency. Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes Selenium deficiency is best managed by an interprofessional team that includes dietitians and nurses.

Review Questions Access free multiple choice questions on this topic. Comment on this article. References 1. Selenium: Significance, and outlook for supplementation. Severe selenium deficits in pregnant women irrespective of autoimmune thyroid disease in an area with marginal selenium intake.

J Trace Elem Med Biol. Schomburg L. Dietary Selenium and Human Health. Why Nature Chose Selenium. ACS Chem Biol. Revised reference values for selenium intake. Selenium in reproductive health. Am J Obstet Gynecol. Adv Nutr. Rayman MP. The importance of selenium to human health. Selenium and human health. Selenium Deficiency. In: StatPearls [Internet]. In this Page. Related information.

Similar articles in PubMed. Review Selenium, selenoproteins and human health: a review. Public Health Nutr. What is selenium and why do we need it? Selenium can help to increase immunity, takes part in antioxidant activity that defends against free radical damage and inflammation, and plays a key role in maintaining a healthy metabolism.

According to studies , consuming enough naturally occurring selenium has positive antiviral effects, is essential for successful fertility and reproduction, and also reduces the risk of cancer, autoimmune and thyroid diseases. Among healthy people in the U. Selenium deficiency occurs when someone has lower than adequate levels of selenium in their body. Selenium is a trace mineral found naturally in the soil, in certain high-selenium foods , and even in small amounts in water. Both humans and many other animals require trace amounts on a consistent basis for optimal health.

What is selenium good for in the body? It helps the body thanks in large part to its role acting as an antioxidant. Selenium benefits include defending against oxidative stress, heart disease and cancer; boosting immunity; regulating thyroid function; protecting against cognitive decline; and boosting fertility.

Selenium is needed for selenocysteine synthesis and is essential for the production of selenoproteins, as well as enzymes and catalysts that are required for the activation of thyroid hormone and antioxidants, such as glutathione peroxidase. Your metabolism, heart and brain can all suffer due to the many functions that selenoproteins perform. Production of thyroid hormones suffers when intake is low, while the immune system cannot defend against viruses and infections as well. The body may become more prone to diseases including cancer because selenium is needed to control production of natural killer cells, T-cells, antibodies and macrophages.

Additionally, cells become more prone to oxidative stress and negative effects of exposure to heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, etc. Having low selenium status is also correlated with an increased risk of some health problems including: mortality due to inflammation, infertility, poor immune function, cognitive decline, and potentially certain types of cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

Selenium deficiency and iodine deficiency are also considered common in people affected by Keshan disease , a cardiovascular disease, and Kashin-Beck disease , a chronic bone, joint and cartilage disorder that is most prevalent in parts of Asia.

Certain groups of people are more likely to be deficient in selenium, due to factors like the soil quality where they live, their medical history, genetics and how well they absorb selenium. However, some people are obtaining or absorbing less due to their diets and gastrointestinal health.

The amount of selenium in soil differs a lot depending on the location, due to factors like amount of rainfall, evaporation and pH levels. For example, certain studies show concern that parts of Eastern Europe and Africa have soil low in selenium levels, so populations living in those areas may be suffering from compromised immunity because of this. According to research , populations in the U. These populations average consuming 60 to 90 micrograms per day, which is still considered to be adequate intake but less than other populations where the soil is more selenium-rich.

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