Higher Selenium Intake Associated With Reduced Heart Disease Death Risk

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that supports many bodily processes, including metabolism and thyroid function. A recent study has found that higher selenium intake in people with type 2 diabetes may be associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease.

Participants in the study included 3,199 adults with type 2 diabetes who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. Dietary intake data from the survey was used to evaluate selenium intake. Data from the National Death Index was used to determine death from heart disease and all-cause mortality.

Participants with the highest concentrations of selenium had a 66% lower risk of death from heart disease compared to those with the lowest concentrations. They also had a 64% lower risk of all-cause mortality.

The study was conducted by researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. It was published online ahead of print on October 19, 2021, in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.