The effects of selenium deficiency on human health

Selenium is a naturally occurring metalloid element, which is essential to human and other animal health in trace amounts.

Selenium deficiency produces changes in several metabolic functions, including the immune system. Selenium is an essential mineral for the efficient operation of many aspect of the immune system.

In the mouse and squirrel monkey, selenium deficiency is associated with loss of hair, emaciation, and severe lesions in liver and muscles. Both chronic and acute forms of myopathy have been reported in horses. 

Selenium deficiency has been associated with HIV disease progression and mortality. In Africa, lower levels of selenium in pregnant women has been found to be predictive of higher risk of intrapartum transmission and fetal and child death.

Recent research has shown that selenium deficiency has adversely affects thyroid hormone metabolism, which is detrimental to growth and development.

In 1979, Chinese scientists first described the relations ship of selenium to Keshan disease. Keshan disease is related to a low dietary selenium intake and low blood and hair selenium levels.

Selenium deficiency has also implicated in the incidence of bone and joint condition (Kashin-Beck disease) in humans in various part of China. Necrotic degeneration of the chondrocytes is the most storing pathologic feature of this disease.
The effects of selenium deficiency on human health