Selenium Concentration Is Positively Associated with Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Triglyceride Glucose-Body Mass Index in Adults: Data from NHANES 2011-2018

Compiling evidence supports that selenium plays a vital role in glucose metabolism. Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and triglyceride-glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) are commonly used in epidemiologic studies to evaluate insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. This study is aimed to investigate the association between whole blood selenium concentration and TyG and TyG-BMI. A total of 6290 participants (age ≥ 20 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018 were included. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association between blood selenium quartiles and TyG and TyG-BMI. Subgroup analysis stratified by diabetes status was also performed. The adjusted model showed a positive association between TyG and blood selenium concentration (β [95%CI] = 0.099 [0.063, 0.134], p < 0.001) and TyG-BMI (β [95%CI] = 3.185 [2.102, 4.268], p < 0.001). The association persisted after stratification by diabetes status (p < 0.001). Participants were stratified into four quartiles based on selenium concentration (Q1: 1.08-2.24 μmol/L, Q2: 2.25-2.42 μmol/L, Q3: 2.43-2.62 µmol/L, Q4: 2.63-8.08). Compared with the Q1 group, TyG in the Q3 and Q4 groups was significantly higher (β = 0.075 [95%CI 0.039 to 0.112] and β = 0.140 [95%CI 0.103 to 0.176], respectively). Additionally, TyG-BMI in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups was higher than that in the Q1 group (β = 1.189 [95%CI 0.065 to 2.314], β = 2.325 [95%CI 1.204 to 3.446], and β = 4.322 [95%CI 3.210 to 5.435], respectively). Blood level of selenium was positively associated with TyG and TyG-BMI, indicating that excessive blood selenium may be associated with impaired insulin sensitivity and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.