From the Guidelines
Selenium deficiency is most prevalent in areas with low selenium content in the soil, such as parts of Europe and Australasia, due to the low soil content in those regions. According to the espen guidelines on parenteral nutrition: intensive care 1, the European population and that of some parts of Australasia are prone to low background selenium status. This is because the soil in these areas has low selenium content, which in turn affects the selenium levels in crops grown in these regions. Some of the key areas with selenium deficiency include:
- Europe, particularly due to the low soil content in certain regions 1
- Parts of Australasia, where the soil selenium content is also low 1
- Other areas with low selenium content in the soil, which can lead to inadequate selenium intake among the local population It is essential to note that selenium deficiency can have severe consequences, including acute cardiomyopathy, as mentioned in the espen guidelines 1. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure adequate selenium intake, especially in regions with low selenium content in the soil.
From the FDA Drug Label
Pediatric conditions, Keshan disease, and Kwashiorkor, have been associated with low dietary intake of selenium. The conditions are endemic to geographical areas with low selenium soil content. New Zealand (d) 113 Adults (5.4 ± 0.1)
- Selenium deficiency has been associated with certain geographical areas with low selenium soil content.
- Areas with low selenium soil content, such as New Zealand, have been reported to have lower selenium levels in the population.
- Keshan disease and Kwashiorkor are endemic to these areas, suggesting a link between selenium deficiency and these conditions 2.
From the Research
Areas with Selenium Deficiency
Selenium deficiency has been reported in various regions, particularly in areas where the soil and crops have low selenium levels. Some of the areas with selenium deficiency include:
- China, particularly in the provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu, and Yunnan 3
- Areas with low selenium content in cereals and hair, such as Mianing County of Sichuan Province 4
- Regions with high incidence of Keshan disease, a selenium-responsive condition 5, 6, 7
Regional Variations in Selenium Distribution
The distribution of selenium in rocks and soils varies widely, leading to regional variations in selenium bioavailability 5. This variation is associated with the occurrence of selenium-deficiency diseases, such as Keshan disease and Kashin-Beck disease 5, 6, 7.
Selenium-Deficient Populations
Populations at risk of selenium deficiency include:
- Residents of Keshan disease endemic areas, particularly children and women of child-bearing age 6, 4
- Individuals with malabsorption and long-term selenium-deficient parenteral nutrition 7
- People living in areas with low per capita disposable income, who may have limited access to selenium-rich foods 3