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Selenium and impaired physical function in US and Spanish older adults
E García-Esquinas1, M Carrasco-Rios2, R Ortolá3
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health. School of Medicine. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid. Spain; IdiPaz (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Universitario La Paz), Madrid, Spain; CIBERESP (CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health), Madrid, Spain.
Redox Biology
|December 14, 2020
Summary
Higher selenium (Se) levels in older adults are linked to better physical function and fewer limitations. This study found that increased Se exposure was associated with reduced weakness, mobility issues, and disability in daily activities.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with a narrow safety margin.
- Understanding the dose-response relationship between Se exposure and physical function in older adults is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between selenium exposure and measures of impaired physical function and disability in older adults.
- To determine if higher selenium levels correlate with better physical performance and reduced risk of limitations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal data from US (NHANES) and Spanish (Seniors-ENRICA-2) cohorts, including participants aged 60 years and older.
- Measurement of whole blood and serum selenium levels using ICP-MS, assessment of lower-extremity performance (Short Physical Performance Battery), muscle strength (dynamometer), and incident mobility/agility limitations and disability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).
- Pooled meta-analysis of results across studies, adjusted for confounders including physical activity.
Main Results:
- Meta-analysis revealed inverse associations between whole blood selenium and weakness, impaired lower-extremity performance, mobility limitations, agility limitations, and disability in at least one IADL.
- Longitudinal data showed that a doubling in baseline selenium levels was associated with a lower incidence of weakness, mobility limitations, and agility limitations.
- The inverse association with grip strength appeared progressive, with potential thresholds around 140 μg/L.
Conclusions:
- Selenium concentrations are inversely associated with physical function limitations and disability in US and Spanish older adults.
- These findings highlight the potential role of selenium in maintaining physical function in aging populations.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms connecting selenium levels to physical function.
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