Selenium intake and cardiovascular risk: what is new?

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Cardiovascular Research
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Selenium is an essential trace element crucial for selenoprotein function.
• Maintaining adequate selenium intake is vital for optimal health, but its safety margin is narrow.
• The role of selenium in preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent experimental and epidemiologic findings on selenium's role in preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
• To evaluate the current evidence regarding selenium supplementation and cardiovascular health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent experimental and epidemiologic studies.
• Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies examining selenium levels and coronary heart disease.
• Analysis of data from selenium supplementation trials and observational studies.

Main Results:

• Most randomized trials in selenium-replete populations show no cardiovascular protection from selenium supplementation.
• A meta-analysis indicated a moderate inverse relationship between selenium levels and coronary heart disease, though confounded.
• Emerging data suggest high selenium intake may increase the risk of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia in selenium-replete individuals.

Conclusions:

• Insufficient evidence supports selenium's protective role in cardiovascular disease prevention.
• Further large-scale randomized controlled trials and observational studies are needed across diverse selenium intake levels.
• Individuals in high-selenium areas should be cautious of selenium supplements due to potential risks of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.