Selenium deficiency symptoms
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Symptoms of Selenium Deficiency: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Selenium Deficiency
Selenium is an essential trace element crucial for various physiological processes, including immune function, antioxidant defense, and thyroid hormone metabolism. Deficiency in selenium can lead to a range of health issues, some of which can be severe and life-threatening. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a clear understanding of the symptoms associated with selenium deficiency.
Skeletal Muscle Disorders and Myopathy
Muscle Pain and Weakness
Selenium deficiency is often associated with skeletal muscle disorders, which manifest as muscle pain, fatigue, and proximal weakness. Elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels are also commonly observed in affected individuals . These symptoms are particularly noted in patients with insufficient selenium intake due to low soil-selenium areas, parenteral or enteral nutrition, or chronic conditions like HIV infection and chronic alcohol abuse .
Case Study: Pediatric Myopathy
A notable case involved a 27-month-old girl on long-term home parenteral nutrition who presented with regression of walking skills and tender skeletal myopathy. Her symptoms rapidly improved following selenium supplementation, highlighting the critical role of selenium in muscle function .
Metabolic and Pancreatic Disorders
Pancreatic Atrophy and Hyperglycemia
In broilers, selenium deficiency has been shown to cause pancreatic atrophy, leading to hypoinsulinemic hyperglycemia. This condition is characterized by down-regulation of selenoprotein and insulin signaling-related genes, resulting in metabolic disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism . These findings suggest that similar mechanisms may be at play in humans, contributing to metabolic dysregulation.
Growth Retardation and Alopecia in Infants
Clinical Features in Infants
Infants receiving long-term nutritional support are at risk of selenium deficiency, which can lead to growth retardation and alopecia with pseudoalbinism. These symptoms are reversible with adequate selenium supplementation, underscoring the importance of monitoring selenium levels in infants on prolonged nutritional support .
Cardiovascular and Immune System Impairments
Cardiomyopathy and Immune Dysfunction
Selenium deficiency can lead to severe cardiovascular issues, including cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias. Additionally, it impairs immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections 56. In young grass carp, selenium deficiency was found to impair immune function by down-regulating selenoproteins and modulating inflammatory responses, suggesting similar effects in humans .
Autoimmune Disease Risk
Selenium deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, particularly in conditions like pregnancy, severe illness, or COVID-19. Adequate selenium levels are crucial for a robust immune response, and supplementation has shown positive effects in mitigating these risks .
Dermatological Symptoms
Curly Hair and Skin Changes
A rare but notable symptom of selenium deficiency is the alteration in hair texture, such as the development of curly hair. This was observed in a 42-year-old woman with a history of gastrointestinal surgeries and long-term parenteral nutrition. Her hair returned to its normal texture following selenium supplementation, indicating that changes in hair appearance can be an early sign of selenium deficiency .
Conclusion
Selenium deficiency manifests in a variety of symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, including skeletal muscle disorders, metabolic and pancreatic dysfunctions, growth retardation in infants, cardiovascular and immune impairments, and dermatological changes. Early detection and appropriate selenium supplementation are crucial for preventing and reversing these symptoms. Clinicians should be vigilant in monitoring selenium levels, especially in high-risk populations such as those on long-term nutritional support or with chronic illnesses.
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