In several regions of the world are exposed to inadequate selenium supplies because selenium contents of surface soils have been depleted by erosion and glacial washout.
The trace element of selenium is involved in thyroid hormone synthesis, metabolism and action.
Selenium deficiency reduces the activity of the selenium dependent deiodinase and peroxidase enzymes and thereby impairs thyroid metabolism in iodine deficient populations.
Cardiomyophathy, cataracts, increased red blood cell fragility, skeletal muscle degeneration, and impaired growth are some of the symptoms of this deficiency.
Selenium deficiency interferes with immune function and predisposes a person to cardiomyopathy that is known as Keshan disease. Keshan disease is a multifocal myocarditis of child-bearing age.
This was discovered in regions of China whose soil is low in selenium content.
Heart disease (cardiomyopathy) of selenium deficiency can be acute or chronic. The acute form shows severe heart failure, shock and deadly arrhythmias.
The other disease associated with selenium deficiency is Kaschin-Beck disease. Kaschin-Becj disease is an osteoarthropathy affecting the epiphyseal and articular cartilage and the epiphyseal growth plates of growing bones.
Borderline deficiency appears to limit the ability to fight viral infections and may predispose a person to some kinds of cancer.
Selenium deficiency
