What Do We Know About Pregnancy and Selenium Deficiency?
First of all, during pregnancy, biomarkers of selenium status decline considerably. In some pregnancies, the blood level of selenium falls to critically low levels [Schomburg 2021].
Secondly, the decline in selenium status during pregnancy reflects an increased need for selenium. During the pregnancy, both the mother and the developing fetus need selenium. The mother transfers selenium to the fetus via the placenta [Schomburg 2021].
Thirdly, low selenium status during pregnancy is associated with health risks [Schomburg 2021; Shreenath et al 2023]:
- impaired immune system function
- increased vulnerability to autoimmune diseases
- increased risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm labor, and gestational diabetes
Fourthly, selenium supplementation may be necessary in some cases. To date, the evidence base in support of selenium supplementation during pregnancy is somewhat limited. At this point, we need more randomized controlled trials. However, it is clear that adequate selenium status during pregnancy is important for good immune system function and for preventing the development of autoimmune conditions [Schomburg 2021].