Summary: A medical report has linked the sudden hair loss cases in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district to high selenium levels in wheat sourced from Punjab and Haryana. Learn more about the findings, expert insights, and preventive measures.
A mysterious wave of sudden hair loss cases, medically termed ‘acute onset alopecia totalis,’ recently gripped Maharashtra’s Buldhana district. With 279 individuals across 18 villages experiencing rapid baldness between December 2024 and January 2025, authorities launched an urgent investigation. After weeks of speculation, a medical expert’s report has pointed to an unexpected culprit—excess selenium in wheat supplied through government ration shops.
What is Acute Onset Alopecia Totalis?
Alopecia totalis is a severe form of hair loss that results in complete baldness, often within days or weeks. While it can have autoimmune triggers, the sudden and widespread nature of the cases in Buldhana raised alarms, prompting health officials to suspect an environmental or dietary factor.
Expert Investigation: What Led to the Findings?
Dr. Himmatrao Bawaskar, MD of Bawaskar Hospital and Research Centre in Raigad and a Padma Shri awardee, led the medical investigation. The study focused on analyzing:
- Blood, urine, and hair samples of affected individuals.
- Wheat samples from ration shops and local farms.
- The nutritional and mineral composition of the diet consumed by affected individuals.
The Shocking Discovery: High Selenium Levels in Wheat
The analysis revealed that the wheat supplied from Punjab and Haryana had 600 times more selenium than locally grown varieties. Selenium, a trace mineral essential for metabolism, can be toxic when consumed in excess.
Key Findings:
- Blood Selenium Levels: A 35-fold increase in affected individuals.
- Urine Selenium Levels: A 60-fold increase.
- Hair Selenium Levels: A staggering 150-fold increase.
- Zinc Deficiency: A significant drop in zinc levels, which may have worsened the condition.
How Selenium Affected People in Buldhana
Selenium toxicity, also known as selenosis, can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Hair loss
- Scalp itching and tingling
- Headaches and dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Brittle nails and neurological issues (in severe cases)
In the affected villages, individuals—especially young women—reported total baldness within 3-4 days of symptoms appearing. The social impact was severe, with students facing stigma in schools and some individuals even shaving their heads entirely to cope with the distress.
Why Was This Wheat Different?
Unlike Maharashtra’s locally grown wheat, the grain sourced from Punjab and Haryana naturally contains higher levels of selenium due to the mineral composition of the soil in those regions. Experts concluded that the selenium levels were not due to contamination but were inherently present in the wheat itself.
Government Response and Preventive Measures
Upon receiving the report, authorities advised residents to immediately stop consuming the selenium-rich wheat. They also initiated further testing of ration shop supplies to ensure food safety.
Encouraging Signs of Recovery
Within 5-6 weeks of avoiding the selenium-rich wheat, many affected individuals reported partial hair regrowth. This indicates that the body naturally eliminates excess selenium over time, allowing for recovery.
Proposed Actions:
- Stricter Quality Checks: Mandatory testing of ration-distributed grains for mineral imbalances.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating residents on dietary balance and potential risks of excessive selenium.
- Diversified Ration Supply: Introducing wheat from multiple sources to prevent localized mineral excesses.
Public Reaction and Expert Opinions
The revelation has sparked a heated debate on food safety and government oversight in ration distribution. While some experts emphasize that selenium is essential in small amounts, they caution against unchecked consumption of selenium-rich foods, particularly in regions where dietary habits might already lead to an imbalance.
Dr. Bawaskar highlighted the need for immediate intervention in food regulation policies, stating, “This outbreak underscores the importance of ensuring balanced nutrition, especially for those relying on government food programs.”
The mystery of sudden hair loss cases in Maharashtra appears to have been solved, with excessive selenium in wheat being the primary factor. While authorities have taken steps to mitigate further impact, the incident raises critical questions about food safety regulations and quality control in India’s public distribution system. Moving forward, stricter monitoring and public awareness will be key to preventing such health crises.
This case serves as a reminder that even essential minerals can turn harmful when consumed in excess. While those affected are on the path to recovery, ensuring food safety measures are in place will be crucial in preventing future occurrences of such unexpected health issues.