Selenium deficiency – symptoms, causes and how to rectify it

A selenium deficiency is an undersupply of selenium to the body. The essential trace element is considered a central component of the so-called selenoproteins, complex protein constructs that often act within our organism as agents of chemical reactions (enzymes). In the case of a selenium deficiency, there is a functional restriction in the selenium-dependent enzymes. In particular, glutathione peroxidase, which is so important for us, can no longer do its work effectively.

In many parts of Europe, the soils and accordingly also the plants that grow in them are low in selenium. Climate change, which brings extreme weather conditions, makes the situation even more intense. As a result, vegetables, legumes and grains growing in low-selenium regions contain only small amounts of the trace element. For this reason, animal food has been enriched with selenium in the EU for many years.

While omnivores benefit from this enrichment, vegetarians and vegans fall through the cracks. For this reason, vegetarians and vegans are also considered more at risk of suffering from a selenium deficiency. Other risk groups include kidney patients, people with eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia), those with genetic selenium metabolism disorders or diseases that impair nutrient absorption in the intestine (e.g. chronic diarrhoea, Crohn's disease).

Selenium is a vital trace element used in many places in our bodies. Accordingly, its lack can also be noticeable in many ways. The most important symptoms of selenium deficiency include:

A long-lasting selenium deficiency can have serious consequences. This causes a disease of the heart muscle in the case of Keshan disease. In turn, in the case of Kashin-Beck disease, reduced bone growth and joint changes can be experienced. Both of these specific diseases caused by a selenium deficiency occur almost exclusively in certain areas of China affected by extremely poor soils and where the population almost exclusively feeds on locally grown food.

A selenium deficiency cannot be clearly determined based on symptoms alone, since these can occur due to a variety of causes. Thus, people who suspect a selenium deficiency should have a micronutrient analysis carried out. Since selenium is generally not found in the blood plasma but in the blood cells, a so-called whole blood analysis should ideally be used to optimally assess the selenium status. The optimal values in whole blood are 121 to 168 μg selenium per litre of whole blood. Ideally you should have your selenium status checked annually.

Do you think you may have a selenium deficiency? Then take the test here:

People affected by a selenium deficiency are advised to seek professional advice. Although Brazil nuts are considered extremely rich in selenium, it is better to enjoy them with caution and in moderation due to their immense range of selenium content and possible exposure to radiation and mould and so they are not suitable for controlled supplementation.

The most promising strategy for rectifying a selenium deficiency is therefore targeted supplementation with the help of a suitable selenium preparation. In order for the selenium increase to be controlled with higher-dose selenium preparations, regular laboratory tests should be performed to ensure success.

A selenium deficiency during pregnancy can not only affect the mother's thyroid hormones, but also the cognitive development of the child. However, according to the DGE (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung [German Nutrition Society]), the selenium requirement of pregnant women is not increased.

However, a scientific paper showed that maternal selenium supply during pregnancy is related to psychomotor development, language development, understanding and expression of children aged 1.5 years. According to the researchers, a good selenium supply in late pregnancy is considered critical, during which there is a major growth and development boost to the brain.

Even during lactation, the child’s selenium supply is in the hands of the mother. In particular, women who breastfeed over a long period of time should keep an eye on their selenium balance, because they have an increased risk of developing a selenium deficiency. During lactation, the DGE indicates an increased need.

A good selenium supply is important not only in the womb, but also in the following years. A lack of the trace element can upset the child's thyroid hormones and hormone balance and lead to a higher susceptibility to infection. Growth retardation and bone formation disorders may also be associated with a selenium deficiency in children. 

Menopause is a challenge for many women on both a physical and a mental level. A selenium deficiency can make the turmoil of the menopause even worse.

Selenium & thyroid gland. Weight gain, exhaustion, low mood – there are often parallels between the symptoms of thyroid disorders and menopausal symptoms. As a result, thyroid disorders can make it particularly difficult for women during the menopause.

Selenium is considered an important protective and functional substance for the thyroid gland. The trace element protects the endocrine system from oxidative damage and is involved in the conversion of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) into triiodothyronine (T3). A chronic selenium deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that destroys the thyroid gland, which women are affected by in particular, is probably not triggered by a selenium deficiency, but can at least be favoured and probably intensified by this. Targeted administration of selenium is now considered standard therapy for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and can lead to a reduction in TPO antibodies.

Conclusion: Many regions of Europe are characterised by low-selenium soils. Since the selenium content of the soil is decisive for the supply of selenium to the plants, animals and humans that live on it, those living in selenium deficiency areas in particular should keep an eye on their selenium status. A laboratory analysis of the whole blood can help to identify a selenium deficiency and at the same time provide optimal support for appropriate selenium deficiency therapy.