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Selenium deficiency and miscarriage: a possible link?
J W Barrington1, P Lindsay, D James
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Llandough Hospital, Penarth, United Kingdom.
Objective:
To investigate a possible relationship between a deficiency in serum selenium concentration and first trimester miscarriage.
Design:
An observational study.
Setting:
A teaching hospital in South Wales.
Participants And Methods:
Serum selenium, albumin and total protein concentration were measured in 40 women admitted with first trimester nonrecurrent miscarriage. The results were compared with an equal number of age-matched nonpregnant healthy volunteers, and also from 40 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic for booking in the first trimester.
Results:
A reduction in serum selenium normally occurs in the first trimester of pregnancies that progress to term. However, a further statistically highly significant decrease in serum selenium was observed in those women who miscarried.
Conclusion:
Further studies are required to assess the potential benefits of selenium supplements.