White muscle disease is caused by deficiency of which nutrients?

• A. Calcium deficiency
• B. Potassium deficiency
• C. Selenium or Vitamin E
• D. Vitamin A deficiency

Answer: (C)

White muscle disease is a nutritional myopathy in young animals caused by a deficiency of selenium or vitamin E. These nutrients protect muscle cell membranes from oxidative damage: selenium is a key part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase that neutralizes lipid peroxides, and vitamin E acts as a lipid-soluble membrane antioxidant. Without sufficient selenium or vitamin E, oxidative injury accumulates in muscle tissues, especially in fast-twitch fibers, leading to degeneration and weakness. That shared antioxidant role is why either deficiency can cause the condition. Deficiencies in calcium, potassium, or vitamin A do not produce this specific muscular disease. Prevention focuses on providing adequate selenium and/or vitamin E through diet or supplements, particularly where soils or feeds are low in these nutrients.