Selenium is inversely associated with interleukin-6 in the elderly.
1Department of Family Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|March 6, 2013
Summary
Low serum selenium levels are linked to higher inflammation (interleukin-6) in Taiwanese elderly in long-term care. Monitoring selenium status is recommended for this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties.
- Aging is associated with decreased serum selenium concentrations.
- Inflammation, indicated by interleukin-6 (IL-6), is a concern in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum selenium levels and the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in elderly individuals residing in Taiwanese long-term care facilities.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 336 elderly subjects (≥65 years) from Taiwanese long-term care facilities was studied.
- Serum selenium concentration < 80 μg/L defined selenium deficiency.
- Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses examined the relationship between selenium deficiency, IL-6 quartiles, and serum selenium levels.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of selenium deficiency was 35.6% in men and 43.2% in women.
- Higher quartiles of IL-6 were significantly associated with an increased odds of selenium deficiency, showing a dose-response effect (p < 0.05).
- Serum selenium was inversely associated with IL-6 levels after adjusting for confounders.
Conclusions:
- Serum selenium concentration is inversely associated with the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in institutionalized elderly Taiwanese.
- Monitoring serum selenium levels is advisable for elderly individuals in long-term care settings.
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