Selenium Supplementation and the Effects on Reproductive Outcomes, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Hormone and Metabolic Research
Q3
Aug 2015
Citations:80
Influential Citations:7
Interventional (Human) Studies
84
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Enhanced Details

Methods
64 women aged 18-40 with PCOS (Rotterdam criteria); randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran; all participants used metformin as background therapy.
Intervention
Selenium yeast 200 μg daily, orally, for 8 weeks.
Results
Selenium supplementation (200 μg/day for 8 weeks) increased pregnancy rate to 18.8% (6/32) vs 3.1% (1/32) with placebo (p=0.04). Alopecia decreased from 40.6% to 9.4% and acne decreased from 46.9% to 12.5% with selenium versus placebo (p=0.004 and p=0.003). DHEA levels, hirsutism, hs-CRP, and MDA levels were significantly lower with selenium (DHEA: p=0.02; hs-CRP: p=0.02; MDA: p=0.01; hirsutism: p<0.001). No significant effects on NO or other hormonal profiles or TAC/GSH. After adjusting for age and BMI, changes remained significant for FSH and DHEA only. Overall, 8 weeks of selenium supplementation may improve reproductive outcomes and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in PCOS, with high compliance and no reported adverse effects.
Limitations
Small sample size (n=64) and short duration (8 weeks); concomitant metformin therapy; single-center trial; limited generalizability; post-publication concerns about data integrity require cautious interpretation.

Abstract

Abstract Selenium supplementation could be effective on reproductive outcomes, biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of the study was to determine the effects of selenium supplemen...