Selenium Supplementation Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Lipids in Women with PCOS
In a clinical trial epublished in December 2014, researchers determined that selenium supplementation improved insulin metabolism, triglycerides, and very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is characterized by hormone imbalances resulting in androgen excess, decreased or absent ovulation, and cystic ovaries. Women with PCOS typically have elevated lipids and approximately 40% have insulin resistance independent of body weight. The National Institutes of Health reports that between one in 10 and one in 20 women of childbearing age has PCOS, affecting up to five million women in the United States.
The subjects included 70 women diagnosed with PCOS between 18 to 40 years of age. The researchers randomly assigned the subjects to receive 200 mcg per day selenium or a placebo daily for eight weeks. The investigators evaluated blood glucose, insulin, and lipids at the beginning of the study and again after the eight-week intervention period.
After the supplementation period, the subjects in the selenium supplementation group had significantly decreased serum insulin levels, insulin resistance (homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance), and homeostatic model assessment-Beta-cell function compared to the placebo group. Additionally, insulin sensitivity was increased in the selenium group compared to the placebo group. Triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol also were reduced in the selenium group compared to the placebo group.
The researchers stated, ‘In conclusion, 200 microgram per day selenium supplementation for eight weeks among PCOS women had beneficial effects on insulin metabolism parameters, triglycerides and VLDL-C levels; however, it did not affect fasting plasma glucose and other lipid profiles.”
Reference:
Jamilian M, et al. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2014 Dec 16.
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