American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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What is a major symptom of selenium deficiency?

Fatigue
Cardiomyopathy
Encephalopathy
Hyperlipidemia

The correct answer is: Cardiomyopathy

Selenium deficiency is primarily associated with several major health issues, one of which includes cardiomyopathy, specifically a condition known as Keshan disease. Keshan disease is characterized by its negative effects on heart muscle function, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy and resulting in heart failure in severe cases. This occurs because selenium plays a crucial role in the antioxidant defense system, as it is a component of selenoproteins that protect cells from oxidative stress. While fatigue, encephalopathy, and hyperlipidemia can be related to various nutritional deficiencies or metabolic disorders, they are not specific or primary symptoms associated with selenium deficiency. Cardiomyopathy, particularly of the dilated type linked with selenium deficiency, is the most definitive and concerning symptom that highlights the significance of selenium in heart health and its impact on overall metabolic functions in the body.