Selenium : Uses and Health Benefits, Part 2

by MedlinePlus

(Page 2 of 3)

Liver disease

Selenium supplementation has been studied in various liver disorders, including hepatitis, with mixed results.

HIV/AIDS

Selenium supplementation has been studied in HIV/AIDS patients, and some reports associate low selenium levels with complications such as cardiomyopathy. It remains unclear if selenium supplementation is beneficial in patients with HIV, particularly during antiretroviral therapy.

Infection prevention

Preliminary research reports that selenium can be beneficial in the prevention of several types of infection, including recurrence of erysipelas (bacterial skin infection associated with lymphedema) or Mycoplasma pneumonia. Further research is needed to confirm these results before a clear recommendation can be made.

Infertility

Selenium supplementation has been studied for male infertility and sperm motility with mixed results. Evidence is lacking regarding potential effects on female infertility.

Low birth weight

Selenium supplementation has been studied in low birth weight infants. Additional evidence is warranted in this area before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

Lymphedema

Preliminary research reports that selenium supplementation may decrease lymphedema. Further research is needed to confirm these results before a clear recommendation can be made.

Myotonic dystrophy

Selenium and vitamin supplementation has been studied in myotonic dystrophy with mixed results.

Pancreatitis

There is inconclusive evidence regarding the use of selenium in pancreatitis.

Pre-eclampsia

Preliminary study in women with pregnancy induced hypertension has reported reduced edema, without significant impact on birth outcomes. No clear conclusion can be drawn in the absence of additional well-designed research.

Psoriasis

Research is inconclusive in this area.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Selenium supplementation has been studied in rheumatoid arthritis patients with mixed results. Additional research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

Sepsis

Study results of selenium supplementation in septic patients are mixed.

Sunburn prevention

Photoprotection was initially observed in preliminary research using selenium supplementation and other antioxidants, although there is some evidence of ineffectiveness in preventing light-induced erythema (skin redness).

Thyroid conditions

An early toxic effect of selenium is disruption of endocrine function, including synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3). Selenium has been suggested to improve inflammatory activity in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis or Grave's disease. Further research is needed before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

Tinea capitis

Commercially available 1% selenium sulfide shampoo has been reported as equivalent to sporicidal therapy in the adjunctive treatment of tinea capitis infection, although further high quality evidence is warranted.

Tinea versicolor

Preliminary study of topical selenium (selenium sulfide shampoo) is inconclusive.

Colorectal cancer prevention

Evidence from the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) trial suggests that selenium supplementation does not significantly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. This randomized study was conducted in 1312 Americans over a 13-year period, and compared the effects of 200mcg of daily selenium versus placebo. Although initial (interim) analysis suggested possible benefits, a later analysis found a lack of statistical significance.

Kashin-beck osteoarthropathy

Kashin-Beck disease is an osteoarthropathy endemic in selenium- and iodine-deficient areas. Preliminary evidence suggests that selenium supplementation does not significantly improve this disease.

Lung cancer prevention

Evidence from the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) trial suggests that selenium supplementation does not significantly reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. This randomized study was conducted in 1312 Americans over a 13-year period, and compared the effects of 200mcg of daily selenium versus placebo. Although initial (interim) analysis suggested possible benefits, a later analysis found a lack of statistical significance. Other evidence is inconclusive.

Muscular dystrophy

Preliminary studies suggest that selenium supplementation is not helpful in muscular dystrophy.

Osteoarthritis

Selenium-ACE, a formulation containing selenium with three vitamins, has been promoted for the treatment of arthritis. Research has failed to demonstrate significant benefits, with a possible excess of side effects compared to placebo.

Skin cancer (nonmelanoma) prevention

Results from the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) trial, conducted among 1312 Americans over a 13-year period, suggest that selenium supplementation (200mcg daily) given to individuals at high risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer is ineffective at preventing basal cell carcinoma, and actually increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and total nonmelanoma skin cancer. Therefore, selenium supplementation should be avoided in individuals at risk or with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Abnormal pap smears, acne, aging, alcoholic cirrhosis, alcoholism, allergic rhinitis, altitude sickness, arsenic poisoning, atherosclerosis, childhood growth promotion, chronic bronchitis, chronic hepatitis, cognitive dysfunction; colitis, depression, dermatitis herpetiformis, diabetes mellitus, Down's Syndrome, eczema, endocrine disorders, esophagus cancer prevention, fetal development, gastric cancer prevention, gray hair, helminth re-infection, high cholesterol, HIV, hypersensitivity to electricity, immune disorders, immune stimulation, inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, macular degeneration, menopausal symptoms, metabolic enhancement, miscarriage prevention, mood disorders, mood enhancement, muscle weakness, neonatal disorders, organ dysfunction, Osgood-Schlatter disease, otitis media, pain, photoprotection, pneumonia, poison prophylaxis, Raynaud's phenomenon, sleep apnea, strength enhancement, stroke, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ulcerative colitis, vaccine adjunct, vasculitis.

About the Author

medlineplus.gov
MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations. MedlinePlus also has extensive information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and latest health news.