Selenium Supplementation in HIV-Infected Patients: Is There Any Potential Clinical Benefit?

Abstract

In HIV-infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, the question of whether selenium supplementation has any therapeutic benefit is still open. With recent popular coverage of this issue, many patients have considered using selenium. Clinicians have a duty to ensure that the recommendations they make to their patients are evidence based. The literature search reported here showed that evidence to support standard selenium supplementation in patients with HIV is both limited and insufficient. To definitively answer this clinical question, the overall effect of selenium supplementation would need to be evaluated in a large randomized, controlled trial with solid methodology and strong internal validity. Although the available evidence for selenium supplementation is weak, its low toxicity and side effect profile seem to pose minimal risks, especially at low doses. For patients who want to add selenium to their regimen, discussing the potential risks and benefits as well as close follow-up is warranted.

Selenium deficiency and pregnancy outcome in pregnant women with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria

“…It is a component of several selenoproteins and is required for the activity of glutathione peroxidase, a vital intracellular antioxidant that prevents oxidative cellular damage [3, 4]. Various health problems such as nail and hair loss, gastroenteritis, and dermatitis could be associated with persistent exposure to high levels of selenium, but the most notable health effects are related to a selenium-deficient state [5]. Selenium deficiency has been linked to several pathological conditions, especially in individuals with HIV infections [4, 5].…”

“…Various health problems such as nail and hair loss, gastroenteritis, and dermatitis could be associated with persistent exposure to high levels of selenium, but the most notable health effects are related to a selenium-deficient state [5]. Selenium deficiency has been linked to several pathological conditions, especially in individuals with HIV infections [4, 5]. Consequently, several studies have investigated the role of selenium in the disease progression, morbidity, and mortality of HIV-seropositive individuals [4–9].…”

“…5 Selenium deficiency has been linked to several pathological conditions, especially in individuals with HIV infections. 4,5 Consequently, several studies have investigated the role of selenium in the disease progression, morbidity, and mortality of HIV-seropositive individuals. [4][5][6][7][8][9] In most of these studies, selenium supplementation improved their survival and slowed the disease progression.…”

Selenium in Soil-Crop-Animal System: A Holistic Perspective to Manage Animal and Human Health

“…In the same way, Se supplementation increased serum Se levels, increased vigor and reduced anxiety of HIV infected patients [82]. However, these results are not sufficient enough to recommend Se supplementation in patients with HIV [83]. An inverse relationship was reported between dietary selenium intake and cancer mortality [84].…”

Selenium Deficiency and HIV Infection

“…The normal ranges of serum selenium plasma levels in adults are 1.1 to 2.5 µmol/L in blood and 0.75 to 1.35 µmol/L. The minimum daily intake of selenium is recommended at 30 µg 7 . Selenium deficiency in humans is associated with an increased incidence of cancer, cardiomyopathy (including Keshan disease), a deforming osteoarthropathy (Kashin-Beck disease), male sub-fertility, liver dysfunction, mood disorders, skeletal muscle disorders, impaired thyroid hormone metabolism, impaired immune function, progression of HIV infection and mortality 8-29 …”