CHAPTER 31: Selenium and Kashin–Beck Disease

Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) is an osteochondropathy endemic in China and other parts of Asia. A relationship between selenium (Se) deficiency and KBD was first noted in China in the 1970s; the disease was mainly found in low-Se areas. As Se content in water, soil, and grain were low in these areas, the nutritional status of local inhabitants was also Se deficient. Since l979, Se supplements such as Se tablets, Se-rich salt, and Se-fortified wheat have been used in China to prevent and treat KBD. Meanwhile, epidemiological, clinical, and pathogenesis studies investigated the etiological relationship between Se deficiency and KBD. Low Se is an important environmental factor; compensating insufficient environmental levels of Se helps in KBD prevention.