Menu
Home
People
Places
Arts
History
Plants & Animals
Science
Life & Culture
Technology
Reference.org
Selenium deficiency
open-in-new
<p>Selenium deficiency occurs when an organism lacks the required levels of <a href="/facts/Selenium/k975NApC">selenium</a>, a critical nutrient in many species. Deficiency, although relatively rare in healthy well-nourished individuals, can have significant negative results, affecting the health of the heart and the nervous system; contributing to depression, anxiety, and dementia; and interfering with reproduction and gestation. </p>