Which of the following is a marker of selenium deficiency?

Which of the following is a marker of selenium deficiency?

• A. Unexplained anemia/fatigue
• B. Weight gain
• C. Elevated cholesterol
• D. Increased appetite

Answer: (A)

Selenium is essential for antioxidant defense and normal thyroid function, so when its levels are low, the body’s cells can’t work as efficiently and energy-related symptoms often appear. Unexplained fatigue can accompany a form of anemia or energy shortfall that arises from reduced antioxidant protection and altered red blood cell function, making this symptom a plausible marker of selenium deficiency. The other options don’t reflect selenium-specific effects—weight gain, elevated cholesterol, and increased appetite are not typical indicators of selenium shortfall.

Selenium is essential for antioxidant defense and normal thyroid function, so when its levels are low, the body’s cells can’t work as efficiently and energy-related symptoms often appear. Unexplained fatigue can accompany a form of anemia or energy shortfall that arises from reduced antioxidant protection and altered red blood cell function, making this symptom a plausible marker of selenium deficiency. The other options don’t reflect selenium-specific effects—weight gain, elevated cholesterol, and increased appetite are not typical indicators of selenium shortfall.