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
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    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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      community 25M Exploring Causes of Hair Loss: TE, Alopecia, or AGA?

      in General  226 upvotes 4 weeks ago
      The user is experiencing hair loss with possible causes including chronic telogen effluvium, diffuse alopecia areata, and androgenic alopecia. They have tried treatments like Nizoral shampoo, minoxidil, and finasteride, and are considering a biopsy for further clarity.

      community I feel like people here shrug off nutritional issues too quickly. Particularly for Retrograde Alopecia.

      in Chat  10 upvotes 2 years ago
      The user believes Retrograde Alopecia may be linked to vitamin imbalances, specifically from taking too much Vitamin E, A, Zinc, and Selenium, and suggests it could be a middle ground between Androgenic Alopecia and Telogen Effluvium. Treatments for hair loss mentioned include Androgen inhibitors and improving lifestyle factors like nutrition and sleep, with topical melatonin also recommended for Retrograde Alopecia.

      community Seb derm is eating my hair?!?!

      in Chat  41 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 22-year-old male is experiencing hair loss due to seborrheic dermatitis, not male pattern baldness, and is seeking advice. Suggestions include using Nizoral, sulfate-free and ketoconazole shampoos, cutting hair short, using cold water, avoiding picking scabs, and trying selenium sulfide shampoo or finasteride.

      community My experience and a discourse on “DUPA”

      in Chat  46 upvotes 2 years ago
      How diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA) is not an invitation to self-diagnose oneself with aggressive AGA and that seeking a specialized dermatologist may help people experiencing hair loss. Treatment options discussed include topical clobetasol propionate, oral minoxidil, and discontinuing finasteride.

      community I'm 20 y.o. and losing hairs. Could you help me somehow?

      in Chat  11 upvotes 4 years ago
      A 20-year-old is experiencing hair loss and has tried Minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, dermarolling, Biotin, Selenium, Zinc, and a shampoo with various ingredients but is still losing hair. They had side effects from topical finasteride and are considering RU58841 but are concerned about past heart issues.

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