The effects of selenium supplementation on lipid profile in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction: Dyslipidemia with a considerable progression rate is a primary risk factor for CVDs if left untreated. Dietary interventions have explored the health influences of selenium on lipid profiles in adults, yet the findings remain contentious. This study seeks to determine if selenium supplementation can positively modify the lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in adults.

Methods: Using predefined keywords, we searched online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar, for relevant studies published from inception through July 2024. A random-effects meta-analysis was then employed to pool the weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95 % CI for outcomes assessed by a minimum of three studies.

Results: Initially 1205 studies were obtained out of which 25 RCTs were decided to be included for further analyses. Selenium supplementation reduced VLDL (WMD: -1.53; 95 % CI: -2.86, -0.20), but did not change TG (WMD: 1.12; 95 % CI: -4.51, 6.74), TC (WMD: -2.25; 95 % CI: -6.80, 2.29), LDL-C (WMD: 1.60; 95 % CI: -4.26, 7.46), and HDL-C levels (WMD: 0.98; 95 % CI: - 0.02, 1.98).

Conclusion: Our study showed significantly reduced VLDL but limited effects were observed in other lipid indexes. More extensive RCTs are required globally to achieve a holistic comprehension of the connection between selenium and lipid profile.