Lower serum selenium concentration associated with anxiety in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Nutritional Psychiatry
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Limited research exists on the connection between selenium and childhood anxiety.
• Selenium is an essential trace element vital for various bodily functions, including neurological health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum selenium concentrations and the prevalence of anxiety disorders in children.
• To explore the relationship between selenium levels and specific anxiety symptoms in a pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

• The study included 831 children from the China Jintan Child Cohort Study (mean age 12.67 years).
• Serum selenium levels were measured, and anxiety was assessed using the Chinese version of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED).
• Six anxiety scores were computed: total, panic/somatic, generalized, separation, social anxiety, and school phobia.

Main Results:

• Lower serum selenium concentrations were significantly associated with higher odds of total anxiety, panic/somatic, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and school phobia.
• No significant association was found between serum selenium and separation anxiety.
• Lower selenium levels correlated with higher continuous scores for total anxiety, generalized anxiety, and school phobia.

Conclusions:

• A notable association exists between lower serum selenium levels and increased anxiety in children.
• This study is the first to report on the link between serum selenium and anxiety disorders in a pediatric population.
• Enhancing children's nutritional status, particularly selenium intake, may be a viable strategy for mitigating childhood anxiety.