Polo Horse Deaths - Selenium named as culprit ingredient

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported today that a toxic amount of the mineral Selenium is likely what caused the deaths of 21 polo horses.

Selenium was part of a mixture of minerals and vitamins that were administered to the horses on the day of the polo match to boost energy and performance. Trace amounts of Selenium are used by the body for normal cell function. From the Office of Dietary Supplements National Institutes of Health:

"Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage from free radicals." Read more

Thomas J. Holt, Florida State veterinarian, reported the laboratory findings. The findings were confirmed by three universities. Additionally, a written statement by Jennifer Beckett, the chief operations officer for Franck's Pharmacy confirmed that the levels of Selenium in the preparation were in error.

Related news stories:

• Polo horse deaths blamed on selenium overdose
  The South Florida Sun Sentinel
• Selenium overdose likely cause of polo pony deaths
  Horsetalk.co.nz
• Mineral overdose blamed in polo horse deaths
  USA Today

Selenium is a trace mineral. It is necessary for health, but only in very small amounts. Toxicity is a problem in animals and humans and can be acute or chronic. Selenium deficiency can also be a problem. Dietary selenium comes plants, meat, seafood, grains and nuts. Selenium is also used in various supplements and feeds.

Learn More About Selenium:

• Diagnosing Selenium Toxicity (Equine)
  From Colorado State University Equine Extension
• Selenium toxicity in domestic animals
  From PubMed
• Basis for regulation of selenium supplements in animal diets
  From PubMed

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