Understanding Selenium Deficiency and Its Effects

Image credit: alamy.com

Is selenium a deficiency in thyroxine & triiodothyronine?

Selenium is also necessary for the conversion of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) into its more active counterpart triiodothyronine (T3), and as such a deficiency can cause symptoms of hypothyroidism, including extreme fatigue, mental slowing, goiter, cretinism, and recurrent miscarriage.

Why is selenium important?

Selenium is an important mineral. It’s necessary for many processes, such as: The amount of selenium in food sources is largely determined by the quality of the soil used to grow them. Rainfall, evaporation, and pH levels all affect selenium concentration in soil. This makes selenium deficiency more common in certain parts of the world.

What is a selenium deficiency?

Selenium deficiency is rare and is caused by consuming too little of the mineral selenium. (See also Overview of Minerals .) Selenium occurs in all tissues. Selenium works with vitamin E as an antioxidant. It helps protect cells against damage by free radicals, which are reactive by-products of normal cell activity.

Can a selenium deficiency cause overt symptoms?

While a deficiency in Selenium may not necessarily cause overt symptoms (unless it is VERY severe (4)), it makes the body more likely to develop certain diseases and conditions (5). Let’s talk about some of these conditions so you know if you may be suffering from Selenium Deficiency:

What is selenium deficiency?

Severe selenium deficiency primarily manifests with symptoms affecting the heart muscles and joints. A moderate deficiency is notably associated with increased male infertility, heightened risk of prostate cancer, and susceptibility to neurological disorders.

Can a selenium deficiency cause a thyroid problem?

Selenium deficiency is known to cause problems for many systems of the body including the cardiovascular system, the immune system and the endocrine system. Many of the symptoms are therefore the same as those of an underactive thyroid:10,11

Who is at risk of a selenium deficiency?

People at risk of a deficiency are those living in regions where soil or crops are selenium-deficient, those undergoing kidney dialysis and people living with HIV. Testing selenium levels alone can be difficult, especially in the UK where it’s not typically offered.

How to prevent selenium deficiency?

Emphasizing a well-balanced diet is the most effective approach to preventing selenium deficiency, thereby ensuring optimal health and avoiding the need for excessive supplementation. Selenium is a mineral that can influence various systems of the body.

What Is Selenium Deficiency

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/selenium-deficiency
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482260/
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selenium_deficiency
4. https://thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-hypothyroid/the-importance-of-vitamins-and-minerals-hypo/about-selenium/
5. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/
6. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/nutritional-disorders/mineral-deficiency-and-toxicity/selenium-deficiency
7. https://greatist.com/health/selenium-deficiency
8. https://journalofnutrition.org/encyclopedia/what-is-selenium-deficiency/
9. https://www.restartmed.com/selenium-deficiency/

Selenium Deficiency Information

1. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/selenium/
2. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/disorders-of-nutrition/minerals/selenium-deficiency