Correction of Selenium status as a tool for preventive medicine

Introduction. Due to the many physiological functions of Selenium (Se), its deficiency is associated with a broad spectrum of adverse health effects. 

This review aims to analyze epidemiological data on the relation of selenium status to public health and the possibility of selenium-containing drugs usage. 

Material and methods. Based on the literature search in Pubmed, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, epidemiological data on the association between Se status and population health and effects of Se supplementation were analyzed. 

Results. Meta-analyses indexed in the Cochrane Library demonstrated a significant association between Se status and many pathologies. Specifically, it has been shown that subjects with physiologically high Se body burden are characterized by a 24–31% lower risk of cancer and 36% lower risk of cancer-related mortality. It is also notable that Se supplementation in human immunodeficiency virus-infected women reduced the risk of maternal diarrhoea and low birth mass in offspring. Moreover, Se supplementation in premature newborns and critically low mass newborns significantly decreased the risk of sepsis. Many extensive epidemiological studies also demonstrated the efficiency of improvement in the Se status concerning coronary heart disease and sepsis mortality risk. At the same time, constant monitoring of Se body burden is essential for assessing Se supplementation efficiency and prevention of adverse health effects of Se overload. It is also noted that Se status is considered as the determinant of the efficiency of prevention of cardiovascular diseases and cancer under Se supplementation. 

Conclusion. Given the high incidence of Se deficiency in Russia (24–45% depending on the region), assessment and improvement of Se status may be considered a valuable tool for population health management.

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