Selenium is a trace element that is naturally found in the body. It is used to help the cells of our body to function at their maximum efficiency. This metal works with enzymes and helps produce antioxidants which may prevent cancer. The quantity of selenium in our body must be balanced. Too much or too little can cause a number of health concerns including death. The following are the some signs of selenium deficiency:
1. Keshan's disease, which is fatal, may be a sign of selenium deficiency. This disease is caused due to a dietary deficiency of selenium and is often fatal as it affects children as well as women of child bearing age. This disease has a number of symptoms such as heart failure and pulmonary edema. Keshan's disease also makes the body prone to illnesses.
2. Another major result of selenium deficiency is Kashin-Beck disease which occurs in the body when both selenium as well as iodine are deficient. This disease has a number of symptoms such as degeneration, necrosis, or atrophy in the cartilage tissue causing disproportionate or stunted growth.
3. A selenium deficiency could also induce hypothyroidism. This can manifest itself in a countless number of disorders and symptoms such as excessive fatigue, goiter, cretinism, as well as recurrent miscarriages.
4. Other important selenium deficiency symptoms include those that are mostly related to the slow functioning of the immune system. These could include gastrointestinal problems, hair loss, diarrhea, cirrhosis, fatigue, garlic breath, and sloughing off of nails. It may also include neurological symptoms like mood swings.
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