Selenium deficiency: symptoms
A slight deficiency of selenium can cause, for example, white spots on the nails and noticeably thin, colorless hair or hair loss.
A more pronounced selenium deficiency affects the thyroid gland and the immune system, for example, but also other areas and functions of the body. Typical selenium deficiency symptoms therefore include:
- disturbed thyroid function
- Fertility problems in men
- susceptibility to infections
- weight loss
- Intestinal sluggishness
- headaches
- Memory problems
- Joint pain
- Muscle diseases (myopathies)
In addition, a persistent selenium deficiency can cause specific disease patterns: Keshan disease is a disease of the heart muscle. Kashin-Beck disease is manifested by changes in the joints and reduced bone growth. Both diseases occur almost exclusively in certain regions of China where the soils contain extremely low levels of selenium.
Selenium deficiency: Causes
Vegetarians and vegans, however, must pay more attention to taking in enough selenium. They can prevent a selenium deficiency by specifically integrating selenium-rich foods such as nuts, legumes or white cabbage into their diet.
To learn which animal and plant foods are good sources of selenium, read the article Selenium Foods.
Disease-related causes of selenium deficiency
- chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- genetic selenium metabolism disorders
- cystic fibrosis
- renal weakness (renal insufficiency)
- long-term dialysis due to kidney disease
Selenium deficiency: What to do?
A slight selenium deficiency can often be compensated by the targeted consumption of selenium-rich foods such as Brazil nuts.
To avoid overdose, always consult a physician before taking any dietary supplements containing selenium.
