Risk Factors for Keshan's Disease

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Risk factors for Keshan's disease

There are a number of risk factors associated with the development of Keshan's disease:

Deficiency of selenium

The main risk factor which causes Keshan's disease is a deficiency of selenium in the diet, due either to not eating foods rich in selenium or in living in an area where there is little selenium in the soil and this contributes heavily on whether or not there is adequate intake of selenium in the diet.

Viral or bacteria infection

While selenium deficiency plays a large role in development of Keshan's disease, it is also thought that due to the seasonal and annual variation in its occurrence, this could mean that bacterial or viral infection may also be involved. Studies on the Keshan area have determined that an enterovirus may be responsible, such as coxsackievirus.

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Last reviewed: 29 January 2009 || Last updated: 29 December 2009

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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.

Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

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