Selenium in diet

Alternative names:

diet and selenium

Side effects:

Keshan disease has been documented as being caused by a deficiency of selenium. It causes an abnormality of the heart muscle, and it claimed the lives of many children in China until the relationship to selenium was discovered and selenium supplements were provided.

Selenium deficiency may also occur in patients fed intravenously for long periods of time.

Increased intake of selenium can lead to toxicity in cattle grazing in selenium-rich soil. The cattle demonstrate muscle, visual and heart problems.

The amount of selenium required to cause toxicity in humans is not known. Excess selenium intake can cause problems with the strength of teeth and the tooth enamel. Other problems may include loss of teeth, hair, and nails. Skin inflammation, nausea, and fatigue can also occur.