Relationship between selenium intake, circulating selenium levels, and stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular Epidemiology
• Trace Element Research

Background:

• Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability, necessitating research into preventative factors.
• Selenium, an antioxidant trace mineral, has shown potential in cerebrovascular disease prevention.
• Previous studies on selenium levels and ischemic stroke risk have yielded inconsistent findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis exploring the relationship between circulating selenium levels and stroke.
• To investigate the association between selenium levels and stroke mortality.
• To evaluate the influence of dietary selenium intake on stroke risk.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across electronic databases up to April 11, 2025.
• Studies examining circulating selenium, dietary selenium intake, and ischemic stroke risk were included.
• 26 eligible studies were synthesized in this meta-analysis.

Main Results:

• Circulating selenium concentrations were significantly lower in ischemic stroke patients compared to controls.
• Higher circulating selenium levels were associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke (RR=0.88) and stroke mortality (RR=0.86).
• Increased dietary selenium intake showed a negative association with stroke risk (RR=0.87).

Conclusions:

• Lower circulating selenium levels are observed in individuals with ischemic stroke.
• There is an inverse association between selenium levels and both ischemic stroke incidence and mortality.
• Higher dietary selenium intake is linked to a reduced risk of stroke.