Why are cases of hair loss coming up in Buldhana?

Why in the NEWS?

• Between December 2024 and January 2025, 279 people in 18 villages in Buldhana district of Maharashtra reported cases of sudden hair fall.

Key points:

• This condition is called 'acute onset alopecia totalis' in which all the hair on the head falls out in a very short period of time.
• Usually this type of problem occurs due to genetic or autoimmune reasons.

What will you read next in this topic?

1. Main reasons for hair loss:
2. What is Selenium?
3. Functions of Selenium
4. Side effects of excess selenium

Main reasons for hair loss:

• While examining 279 cases of hair loss in Buldhana, experts found that the main reason was high levels of selenium in the wheat distributed through ration shops.
• This wheat was imported from Punjab and Haryana, where the soil is naturally rich in selenium.
• The imported wheat had 600 times more selenium than the locally grown wheat.

What is Selenium?

• Selenium (Se) is an essential mineral that plays an important role in antioxidant and metabolic processes in the body.

Sources of Selenium

• Selenium is naturally found in soil, water and some foods.
• Its levels depend on the quality of the soil and geographical location.

Natural Sources:

• Cereals and pulses – wheat, rice, soybeans
• Nuts and seeds – Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds
• Dairy products – milk, cheese, yogurt
• Meat and eggs – chicken, fish, egg
• Seafood – tuna, salmon, shrimp
• Vegetables – onion, garlic, mushroom, broccoli

Functions of Selenium

• Antioxidant properties: It protects cells by fighting free radicals.
• Balance of thyroid gland: Helps in the production and balance of thyroid hormones.
• Strengthening the immune system: Helps protect against infections and diseases.
• Beneficial for hair, skin and nails: It helps in the growth of skin and hair.
• Beneficial for heart and brain: It protects against cardiovascular diseases and neurological problems.

Selenium requirement

• Daily amount for adults: 55 micrograms (mcg) per day
• For pregnant and lactating women: 60-70 mcg per day
• A small amount of selenium is beneficial for the body, but excessive amounts can be harmful.

Side effects of excess selenium

• If a person consumes selenium in excess, he may suffer from toxicity called selenosis, which can cause many serious problems.
• Hair loss (Alopecia) – Excess selenium in the body can cause hair loss rapidly.
• Skin and nail problems – The skin starts cracking and the nails become weak.
• Garlic-like breath
• Headache and fatigue
• Digestive problems (vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain)
• Effects on the nervous system (dizziness, numbness, tingling, weakness)

In severe cases:

• Liver and kidney damage
• Heart problems