Abnormal Circulating Selenium Concentration C4703605
Selenium is an essential trace mineral important for thyroid, heart, and immune function. Both low and high levels can cause health problems. Treatment balances selenium through diet or supplementation as needed.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- E88.9
- ICD-11
- 5A00.0
- Body system
- metabolic
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Cardiac dysfunction
Heart muscle weakness and reduced pumping capacity, potentially progressing to cardiomyopathy, seen in severe selenium deficiency states like Keshan disease.
Seek immediate care for chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or sudden swelling in legs.
Fatigue
(constitutional)Persistent tiredness and lack of energy that is not relieved by rest, often due to impaired antioxidant defense and cellular energy production.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Muscle weakness
(neurologic)Reduced muscle strength and endurance, particularly affecting proximal muscles, due to impaired glutathione peroxidase activity.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Hair loss
(dermatologic)Diffuse hair thinning or loss, often involving scalp and body hair, related to disrupted selenoprotein function in hair follicle cycling.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Nail abnormalities
(dermatologic)Brittle, ridged, or discolored nails that may split or break easily, often appearing white or transverse bands.
Frequency: 25-35% of patients
Nausea and loss of appetite
(gastrointestinal)Reduced appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort, more commonly associated with selenium excess rather than deficiency.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Cognitive changes
(neurologic)Difficulty with memory, concentration, or mental clarity, related to reduced antioxidant protection in neural tissue.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Hypotension
(cardiovascular)Abnormally low blood pressure potentially causing dizziness or fainting, associated with severe selenium deficiency affecting vascular integrity.
Frequency: 3-5% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Exercise prescription and weight management
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Selenium-Specific Nutritional Modification
Dietary adjustment based on whether selenium levels are low or high, including selenium-rich foods for deficiency or selenium restriction for excess, under medical guidance.
Trace Element Level Monitoring
Regular monitoring of serum selenium levels and related antioxidant markers to assess treatment response and prevent overcorrection.
Additional treatment options
Targeted Selenium Supplementation
If selenium deficiency is confirmed, supervised supplementation with appropriate selenium compounds may be recommended to restore optimal levels.
medicationRegional Food Source Awareness
Education on local dietary selenium content, as selenium levels in foods vary significantly by geographic region and soil composition.
lifestyleAntioxidant Support Therapy
Support of antioxidant systems that depend on selenium through complementary approaches including vitamin E and other cofactors.
complementaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Circulating Selenium Concentration C4703605?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
World Health Organization. Trace elements in human nutrition and health. Geneva: WHO; 1996.
Maret W, Sandstead HH. Zinc requirements and the risks and benefits of zinc supplementation. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2006;20(3):3-18.
Bjelakovic G, Nikolova D, Gluud LL, Simonetti RG, Gluud C. Antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(3):CD007176.
Kohrle J, Jakob F, Contempre B, Dumont JE. Selenium, the thyroid, and the endocrine system. Endocr Rev. 2005;26(7):944-984.
Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2000.
Rayman MP. Selenium and human health. Lancet. 2012;379(9822):1256-1268.
Bleys J, Navas-Acien A, Guallar E. Serum selenium and diabetes in US adults. Diabetes Care. 2007;30(4):829-834.
Zhang X, Liu C, Guo J, Song Y. Selenium supplementation for Graves' disease: a meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;105(4):1112-1121.
Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006.
Duntas LH, Benvenga S. Selenium: an element for brain health. Endocrine. 2021;73(1):17-24.
Medication Comparisons
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy