Do Selenium Supplements Help Reduce Heart Disease Risk?

In the world of vitamins, minerals and supplements, it has long been thought that selenium may have a beneficial effect on people suffering from all kinds of different health concerns, including heart disease. Now, new research that has just been published in The Cochrane Library seems to indicate that in fact selenium is of no significant benefit for the wellbeing of heart patients and does not help to prevent heart disease.

Most of the evidence gathered so far applies only to health adults who are well-nourished and follow a balanced diet, so it may be that further research is required to find out if the supplement is beneficial for the wellness of those who do not have a balanced diet.

It is well known that diet is an important factor in a person’s risk of developing heart disease. Selenium is a dietary element that some scientists have felt in the past could play a role in helping to prevent heart disease, as they thought that it may protect patients against inflammation and oxidative stress. There is, unfortunately, little evidence that the supplement works, and in fact recent research has indicated that it may in fact be damaging, as taking too much selenium into your system may be linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

In total, 19,715 people were studied during this latest investigation into the effects of selenium, and the results of those taking selenium supplements were compared to those taking a placebo supplement instead. The results showed a small increased risk of type 2 diabetes (although not enough to be statistically viable) and no difference in the risk of developing heart disease. Side effects of the supplement also included alopecia and dermatitis.