Selenium supplementation of pregnant women at a high risk of preeclampsia has shown beneficial effects on 1) serum selenium levels, 2) some metabolic profiles, 3) uterine artery pulsatility index, and 4) mental health, compared to placebo. The study compared the effect in 60 pregnant women of supplementation with 200 mcg/day for 12 weeks with the effect of placebo for the same period.
Preeclampsia is a serious hypertensive condition of pregnancy. It is associated with high risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Selenium intake and status have been linked to the occurrence of preeclampsia.
Low serum selenium status (defined as below 80 micrograms per liter) during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, pre-term births, and other adverse outcomes.
A recent review article presents the evidence that low selenium status in pregnant women may be implicated in the following complications [Duntas 2020]:
miscarriage
preeclampsia
pre-term birth
retarded fetus intrauterine growth
post-partum hypothyroidism and auto-immune thyroiditis
To ensure an optimal pregnancy outcome, Dr. Leonidas Duntas recommends that physicians take an individualized approach and prescribe dietary and supplemental selenium intakes that are tailored to the pregnant woman’s needs.
Why is Adequate Selenium Important for Pregnant Women?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs in 5 to 10% of women. It is the most common cause of infertility in women. PCOS is typically described by the presence of common symptoms: mild obesity, irregular periods or absence of a period, and signs of excessive androgen such hirsutism and acne. Most PCOS patients will have multiple cysts in the ovaries. More research into the effects of selenium supplementation on PCOS is needed.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (abbreviated PCOS) is a hormonal disorder with a prevalence of 5 – 10% in women of reproductive age.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown.
Symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, increased levels of male hormone, and failure of the ovaries to function regularly.
Excess insulin production and low-grade inflammation are thought to have an effect on the development of PCOS [Mayo Clinic].
Selenium: Effect on Mental Health, Hormonal Profile, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Patients with PCOS
significant improvement in Beck Depression Inventory scores, general health questionnaire scores, and depression anxiety and stress scale scores compared with the placebo
significantly reduced total testosterone levels, hirsutism, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (a bio-marker for inflammation), and malondialdehyde levels (a bio-marker for oxidative stress) as well as significantly increased total antioxidant capacity and total glutathione (GSH) levels compared with the placebo
The researchers concluded that the co-administration of probiotics and selenium for 12 weeks to women with PCOS had beneficial health effects.
Selenium: Effect on Metabolic Profile in Patients with PCOS
In a randomized controlled trial enrolling 70 women aged 18 – 40 years, daily supplementation with 200 micrograms of selenium for 8 weeks was associated with the following outcomes compared with placebo [Jamilian 2015]:read more
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