deficiency, selenium

deficiency, selenium Lack of the essential mineral selenium, which can cause Keshan disease, a fatal form of disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) that was first observed in Keshan province in China and has since been found elsewhere. Treatment involves ensuring intake of the recommended dietary allowance of selenium, currently 70 mg per day for men and 55 mg per day for women. Food sources of selenium include seafood; some meats, such as kidney and liver; and some grains and seeds.