When supplements kill: selenium overdose kills 21 horses

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In summary, a tragic incident involving the deaths of polo horses was caused by a compounding pharmacy's mistake of adding 5 mg/mL selenium instead of 0.5 mg/mL in a mixture of vitamins and electrolytes. While the total dose is not specified, it is noted that horses are extremely sensitive to selenium and can easily overdose. This is in contrast to humans, who have a higher safety margin. A comparison to the amount of selenium found in a human supplement, Centrum Silver, is given to illustrate the severity of the overdose.
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signerror
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Conclusion to the polo story. A compounding pharmacy mixed up vitamins and electrolytes for sports horses, but they added 5 mg/mL selenium instead of 0.5 mg/mL, which was the lethal mistake. (It does not say what the total dose was).

Selenium Overdose Caused Deaths of Polo Horses
http://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2009/04/selenium_overdose_caused_death.php

For comparison (I looked up), "Centrum Silver" has 55ug Se (0.055 mg), so 5 mg is about 100 tables - most of a bottle.

http://www.centrum.com/product_detail.aspx?productid=CENTRUMSLVR&panel=tablets
 
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Horses are VERY sensitive to selenium. They need a little bit as an essential mineral, but can easily overdose. The safety margin isn't so bad with humans. I know of one horse farm that had well water and had to get city water brought in for watering the horses, because the well water had too high of a concentration of selenium. It was still safe for people to drink, but too high for the horses.
 
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This is a tragic and preventable incident that highlights the importance of proper dosing and quality control in the supplement industry. While supplements can provide beneficial nutrients, it is crucial that they are manufactured and administered correctly to avoid harmful consequences.

In this case, the compounding pharmacy's error of adding a tenfold higher dose of selenium highlights the need for strict regulations and oversight in the supplement industry. The fact that this mistake went unnoticed until it resulted in the deaths of 21 horses is concerning and raises questions about the safety and effectiveness of other supplements on the market.

As scientists, it is our responsibility to conduct thorough research and carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of any substance before recommending its use. This incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly harmless substances can have deadly consequences when not used properly.

Moving forward, it is crucial that measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring. This may include stricter regulations and inspections of compounding pharmacies, as well as increased education and awareness among consumers and healthcare professionals about the potential dangers of supplement misuse.

Our thoughts go out to the owners and trainers of the polo horses who lost their lives due to this tragic mistake. Let us use this as an opportunity to learn from this incident and work towards ensuring the safety and efficacy of all supplements.
 

1. What is selenium and why is it used in supplements?

Selenium is a mineral that is essential for proper functioning of the human body. It is used in supplements because it has antioxidant properties and is important for maintaining thyroid function and the immune system.

2. How can an overdose of selenium kill horses?

An overdose of selenium can kill horses because it interferes with the horse's metabolism and can cause a condition called "blind staggers", which affects the nervous system and can lead to death.

3. What are the symptoms of selenium overdose in horses?

The symptoms of selenium overdose in horses include loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness, difficulty standing, and neurological problems such as seizures and lack of coordination.

4. How can horse owners prevent selenium overdose?

Horse owners can prevent selenium overdose by carefully monitoring the amount of selenium in their horse's diet and only giving supplements as directed by a veterinarian. They should also be aware of the selenium levels in their horse's feed and grazing areas.

5. Is selenium overdose a common occurrence in horses?

Selenium overdose is rare in horses, but it can happen if the horse is given too much selenium in supplements or if they consume plants that are high in selenium. It is important for horse owners to be aware of the risks and take precautions to prevent overdose.

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