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The Impact of Selenium Exposure During Pregnancy on Risk for Miscarriage: A Systematic Review
Stavroula-Ioanna Kyriakou1, Ermioni Tsarna1, Nikolina Stachika1
1Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Aretaieion" University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Maternal selenium status may impact miscarriage risk. Lower blood selenium levels were observed in women experiencing miscarriage, suggesting a potential protective role for adequate selenium during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties.
- It plays a crucial role in inflammatory and immune pathways.
- Maternal nutritional status during pregnancy is vital for fetal development and pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate the association between maternal selenium status during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage.
- To synthesize available evidence on the role of selenium in pregnancy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Embase up to July 2024.
- Original research studies published in English were included.
- Evidence was qualitatively synthesized, and bias was assessed. 421 full texts were assessed, with 14 studies (2309 pregnancies) included.
Main Results:
- Maternal blood selenium concentrations were lower in women who experienced miscarriage compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies.
- Findings on placental selenium levels were inconsistent, with noted methodological limitations.
- Environmental selenium exposure showed no statistically significant association in a single low-powered study.
Conclusions:
- Adequate maternal selenium status in early gestation may reduce miscarriage risk by mitigating oxidative stress, supporting immune function, and modulating thyroid health.
- However, current evidence is limited by methodological issues and the absence of randomized interventional trials, precluding causal inference.
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