Selenium Deficiency
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According to a number of researchers, selenium deficiency could be more prevalent than previously thought, due to the depletion of selenium in soil (which is how foods rich in selenium obtain it). Some scientists believe that increasing selenium may be necessary to help combat a number of illness that a deficiency of selenium is associated with (cancer, cardiovascular disease). Reviews are currently underway to determine if selenium fortification is required, but results of these reviews are not yet completed.
The people who may be most likely to be deficient in selenium are:
- Men of reproductive age
Studies who that low selenium intake is associated with low sperm quality and thus with male fertility. - People on a severely calorie reduced diet
People who are on a calorie restricted diet with severe restrictions may not be eating enough selenium-rich foods to reach their daily intake of selenium and could become deficient not just in selenium, but in many other nutrients. - People living in areas with selenium-depleted soil
People living in areas which the soil is selenium-depleted, could become deficient in selenium because the food they eat does not have enough selenium to reach their recommended daily intake. Severely selenium depleted soil may cause really severe selenium-deficiency disorders.
Selenium deficiency occurs when dietary intake of selenium is less than 40mcg per day. Some researchers believe that around 40% of the population is at risk of selenium deficiency
- People with AIDS / HIV
People with HIV / AIDS may be deficient in this mineral due to the HIV infection depleting the body of this very potent anti-cancer, anti-viral antioxidant and may need supplementation. - People with chronic illness
People with chronic illness of any sort may be deficient in selenium, because their illness could be depleting the body of this very potent anti-cancer, anti-viral antioxidant and may need supplementation. - People with some of their small intestine removed
People with large parts of their small intestine removed may not be able to absorb the selenium in the foods they eat due to the absence of the many parts of the small intestine, so may become deficient in selenium. - People with severe gastrointestinal conditions
People with any type of gastrointestinal disorder (celiac disease, Crohn's disease) may have impaired absorption of all nutrients, not just selenium and may become deficient in selenium. - People on specialised medical diets
People who are on specialised medical diets (eg phenylketonurics) are often deficient in selenium due to the restrictive nature of their diet.
Selenium Deficiency Levels
Selenium deficiency occurs when dietary intake of selenium is less than 40mcg per day. Some researchers believe that around 40% of the population is at risk of selenium deficiency.