Study summary · research use only
Selenium and probiotics co-supplementation: A scoping review of clinical evidence
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This scoping review searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for clinical trials of selenium and probiotics co-supplementation in humans, identifying ten studies across populations including polycystic ovary syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, leukemia, gestational diabetes, elderly nursing home residents, and ICU patients with stage I-II bedsores. The abstract reports co-supplementation was associated with changes in glycemic measures (fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI), select lipid parameters, oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, malondialdehyde), and inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, plus reported improvements in mental health scores, cognitive function (MMSE), and immune markers including adhesion molecules; some studies reported changes in TNF-α and PPAR-γ expression. No serious adverse events were reported, though heterogeneity in design, strains, dosage, and duration limits firm conclusions.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Selenium and probiotics have been individually recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. However, the potential synergistic effects of their co-supplementation in human health remain minimally investigated. This scoping review aimed to summarize the current evidence on the impact of co-supplementation with selenium and probiotics. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify clinical trials investigating the effects of selenium and probiotics co-supplementation. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized clinical trials assessing clinical, metabolic, inflammatory, oxidative stress, and immune-related outcomes. RESULTS: Ten clinical studies met the inclusion criteria, including populations with polycystic ovary syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, leukemia, gestational diabetes, elderly nursing home residents, and ICU patients with stage I–II bedsores. Co-supplementation was associated with changes in glycemic indices (fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI), selected lipid parameters (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol), oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, malondialdehyde), and inflammatory markers, particularly high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Studies also reported improvements in mental health scores, cognitive function (MMSE), and immune-related markers including adhesion molecules. Gene expression changes, including TNF-α and PPAR-γ, were reported in limited studies. Overall, co-supplementation was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. CONCLUSIONS: Selenium and probiotics co-supplementation may provide beneficial effects on metabolic regulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation-related conditions. However, heterogeneity in study design, probiotics’ strains, selenium dosage, and treatment duration limits firm conclusions. Larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed.
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