Can selenium supplementation help children undergoing cancer treatment?
We need more clinical studies of the topic. However, here is what we know:
Selenium supplements may help to modulate inflammatory responses in pediatric oncology patients. Children in chemotherapy often have low serum selenium status. The reasons include low dietary selenium intake, increased oxidative stress, and altered metabolism [Podpeskar 2023].
- Optimal selenium intake is important. Antioxidant enzymes such as the glutathione peroxidases and selenoprotein P incorporate selenium. In the body, these antioxidant enzymes help protect cells from oxidative damage [Podpeskar 2023].
- Selenium supplementation can alter the gene expression of antioxidant and inflammatory regulators in children with cancer. This suggests evidence of molecular activity even if the levels of inflammatory markers in the blood remain unchanged [Delgado 2026].
How can selenium supplements complement cancer treatment in children?
Delgado et al investigated the extent to which selenium supplementation can modulate antioxidant defense mechanisms and inflammation in children and adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer. The researchers knew that children need selenium to regulate immune function and oxidative stress.
Accordingly, the Delgado study measured the extent to which selenium supplementation influenced inflammatory biomarkers and the expression of genes involved in antioxidant regulation in pediatric oncology patients.
Who were the study participants in the pediatric cancer treatment study?
The researchers enrolled 26 children and adolescents, aged 3–19 years. The study participants were receiving treatment for leukemia, lymphoma, or solid tumors.
The 26 cancer patients received selenium supplementation adjunctive to their conventional cancer treatment.
What was the daily dosage and duration of the selenium supplementation in the pediatric cancer patients?
The duration was 120 days. The researchers calculated the daily dosage according to body weight. They administered a selenium intake of 1.5 to 2 microg/kg/day. This daily dosage aligns well with selenium administrations used in adult clinical studies.
The form of the administered selenium supplement was selenium glycinate. This is an inorganic selenium salt chemically bound to glycine. As such, it should enhance intestinal absorption.
What were the study findings in the study of children undergoing cancer treatment?
The study results showed significant changes at the gene expression level. Notably, even without significant reduction of serum inflammatory biomarkers, the selenium supplementation influenced molecular pathways that are involved in inflammation and antioxidant regulation [Delgado 2026].
Why is the study of selenium supplementation of children undergoing cancer treatment important?
Firstly, the Delgado study shows that adequate selenium intake may have important effects at the molecular level by modulating gene expression.
Secondly, the Delgado study shows that adjunctive selenium supplementation can complement conventional pediatric cancer treatment.
Conclusion: Selenium and Children and Cancer Treatment
Delgado et al provide evidence that selenium supplementation may benefit children undergoing cancer treatment by modulating inflammatory gene expression.
The researchers show that selenium supplementation supports antioxidant defense and immune function in pediatric oncology patients.
Their study findings show the need for more and larger clinical trials of selenium as an adjunctive nutritional therapy.
Sources
Delgado PO et al. Selenium supplementation in children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment: an analysis of the inflammatory profile and the expression of antioxidant regulators. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov. Published online July 9, 2026. doi:10.2174/0115748928375574250502065956.
Podpeskar A, Crazzolara R, Kropshofer G, Hetzer B, Rabensteiner E, Meister B, Obexer P, Salvador C. Recommendations for nutritional supplementation in pediatric oncology: a compilation of the facts. Nutrients. 2023 Jul 21;15(14):3239. doi: 10.3390/nu15143239.
The information presented in this review article is not medical advice. Readers should not use this information as medical advice.