Selenium Poisoning From Consumption of Contaminated Wheat: A Case Series From Rural Maharashtra, India

September 2025 in “ Clinical Toxicology ”

Himmatrao Saluba Bawaskar, Pramodini Himmatrao Bawaskar

selenium alopecia hair loss dystrophic nails scalp tingling selenium poisoning nail dystrophy

TLDR Contaminated wheat caused hair loss and other symptoms due to high selenium, but washing it with alkaline water helped.

A case series from rural Maharashtra, India, reports acute alopecia linked to selenium-contaminated wheat distributed through the Public Distribution System. In two investigated villages, five individuals experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, scalp tingling, itching, severe hair loss, and dystrophic nails within 48 hours of consuming the wheat. Selenium concentrations in the wheat were significantly higher than normal levels. Hair regrowth occurred within 5-6 weeks after stopping wheat consumption. Elevated selenium was found in urine and blood samples. Washing the contaminated wheat with alkaline water effectively reduced selenium levels, suggesting a potential low-cost mitigation strategy.

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Research cited in this study

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