What condition can selenium deficiency lead to?

Selenium deficiency is specifically linked to a condition known as Keshan disease, which is a type of cardiomyopathy characterized by impaired heart function. The lack of selenium affects the body's ability to produce certain antioxidants, which can lead to oxidative damage and inflammation in the heart muscle. This condition highlights the essential role selenium plays in maintaining heart health and preventing specific heart diseases.

While chronic fatigue syndrome, high blood pressure, and thyroid dysfunction can have various causes and associations, they are not directly linked to selenium deficiency in the same clear-cut manner as Keshan disease. Thus, recognizing selenium's critical role in heart health underscores the importance of this trace element in preventing specific heart-related diseases.