Associations between serum selenium and serum lipids in adolescents aged 12-19: A cross-sectional study

Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body and is important in lipid metabolism. Previous studies on the relationship between selenium and serum lipids were almost conducted in adults, and the research conclusions were inconsistent. Evidence linking selenium and lipids in adolescents is very limited. As an important stage of growth and development, studying the effects of trace elements on the body during adolescence is meaningful.

This study examined the association between serum selenium and serum lipids in adolescents aged 12-19.

This cross-sectional study analyzed 2209 adolescents aged 12-19 years from NHANES 2011 to 2016. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate selenium's association with serum lipids (containing TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C). Moreover, a generalized additive model (GAM) and a fitted smoothing curve (penalized spline method) were conducted to explore the exact curve shape between them.

In the fully adjusted model, it showed a positive association between selenium and TC, TG, LDL-C [TC (β = 0.144 (, 95 % CI (0.084, 0.204), P < 0.001), TG (β = 0.285, 95 % CI (0.134, 0.437), P < 0.001), LDL-C (β = 0.098, 95 % CI (0.022, 0.174), P = 0.011)], whereas a negative association [(β = -0.031, 95 % CI (-0.054, - 0.009), P = 0.006)] between Se and HDL-C. Subgroup analysis showed that the above associations were more significant in females aged 12-19 (P for trend < 0.05). Furthermore, linear associations were performed in Se between TC and LDL-C.

This is the first study to find evidence demonstrating associations between serum Se and serum lipids in adolescents aged 12-19. The validation of our findings will require further research.