Selenium deficiency | |
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Selenium | |
Specialty | Endocrinology |
Causes | compromised intestinal function |
Selenium deficiency occurs when an organism lacks the required levels of selenium, a critical nutrient in many species. Deficiency, although relatively rare in healthy well-nourished individuals,[1] can have significant negative results,[2] affecting the health of the heart and the nervous system; contributing to depression, anxiety, and dementia; and interfering with reproduction and gestation.