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Selenium and immune function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental human studies
Tommaso Filippini1, Susan Fairweather-Tait2, Marco Vinceti3
1Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
Selenium supplementation does not significantly boost immune function in healthy individuals. While some studies show minor benefits, the overall evidence is inconsistent, suggesting no need for supplementation beyond dietary intake for immune health.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Immunology
- Trace Element Metabolism
- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Background:
- Debate exists regarding selenium supplementation's role in public health for immune function and infectious disease prevention.
- Selenium's health effects vary with dose and chemical form, necessitating careful evaluation.
- Understanding optimal selenium intake for immune support remains a key research question.
Approach:
- Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies on selenium supplementation and immunity in healthy populations.
- Searched multiple databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, clinicaltrials.gov) up to October 2022.
- Analyzed dose-response relationships where possible to assess nonlinear effects on immune markers.
Key Points:
- Selenium supplementation did not substantially alter immunoglobulin or white blood cell counts.
- Increased plasma selenium above 100 μg/L did not enhance IgA or T cell levels.
- An inverted U-shaped relationship was observed for NK cell counts; activity for NK lysis increased, but dose-response data was limited.
- Cytokine levels remained largely unaffected by selenium supplementation.
Conclusions:
- The overall evidence for selenium supplementation improving immune function is inconsistent and heterogeneous.
- Differences in trial duration, interventions, and observed null/detrimental effects contribute to variability.
- Current evidence does not support selenium supplementation beyond recommended dietary intake for enhanced immune function.
