Selenium may reduce risk of metabolic syndrome

New research suggests that selenium may help to reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Researchers from the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, conducted a study of 100 healthy young adults (average age of 20.7) to examine the relationship between serum complement factor 3 (C3) – high levels of which is thought to be an early marker of metabolic syndrome, risk factors for metabolic syndrome, and selenium levels.

Results showed that higher levels of C3 were indeed associated with several risk factors for metabolic syndrome, including high body mass index and waist circumference and elevated blood glucose and triglyceride levels. However, the results also revealed a statistically significant negative relationship between selenium levels and C3 concentration, with participants with higher levels of selenium having lower levels of C3. Together, these findings suggest that selenium may help to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.

The authors concluded: “C3 seems to be related with selenium status and several anthropometrical and biochemical measurements linked to metabolic syndrome in apparently healthy young adults. These findings suggest a possible role for selenium intake in the modulation of C3, whose assessment may be an early marker of metabolic syndrome manifestations.”

Puchau B, Zulet MA, de Echavarri AG, Navarro-Blasco I, Martinez JA. Selenium intake reduces serum C3, an early marker of metabolic syndrome manifestations, in healthy young adults. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Advance online publication 5th November 2008. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2008.48