Symptoms of selenium deficiency
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Symptoms of Selenium Deficiency
Muscle Pain and Weakness
Selenium deficiency is closely associated with various skeletal muscle disorders. Common symptoms include muscle pain, fatigue, and proximal muscle weakness. These symptoms are often accompanied by elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, indicating muscle damage. In cases where selenium deficiency is due to parenteral or enteral nutrition, or malabsorption, muscle symptoms have been shown to improve significantly after selenium supplementation .
Growth Retardation and Alopecia in Infants
In infants, selenium deficiency can manifest as growth retardation and alopecia with pseudoalbinism. These symptoms are particularly noted in infants receiving long-term nutritional support, such as parenteral nutrition or an elemental diet. The resolution of these symptoms typically occurs within 1-2 months following selenium supplementation. Additionally, selenium deficiency in infants can lead to severe conditions such as regression of walking skills and tender skeletal myopathy.
Cardiomyopathy and Heart Dysfunction
Severe selenium deficiency can lead to cardiomyopathy, a condition characterized by the weakening of the heart muscle. This can result in myocardial dysfunction and arrhythmias. The exact cellular mechanisms remain uncertain, but the deficiency is known to significantly impact heart health .
Skin Lesions
Selenium deficiency can also cause dermatological symptoms such as dry skin with erythematous changes, erosions on the external urethral and anal orifices, and sparse, light-colored hair. These symptoms are similar to those seen in zinc deficiency and respond well to selenium supplementation.
Cognitive and Metabolic Disorders
Selenium plays a crucial role in cognitive function and energy homeostasis. Deficiency in selenium can impair cognition, sensorimotor gating, and energy balance. This is due to the essential role of selenium in the function of selenoproteins, which are critical for redox signaling and antioxidant defense.
Increased Susceptibility to Infections
Selenium deficiency can compromise the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to infections. This is because selenium is vital for the proper functioning of the immune system and the metabolism of thyroid hormones .
Conclusion
Selenium deficiency presents a wide range of symptoms, from muscle pain and weakness to severe cardiomyopathy and cognitive impairments. Early detection and supplementation are crucial for reversing these symptoms and preventing long-term health issues. Clinicians should be vigilant in monitoring selenium levels, especially in patients receiving long-term nutritional support or those living in low-selenium areas.
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