Evidence supporting the use of: Selenium
For the health condition: Hepatitis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Selenium has been investigated for its potential role in supporting liver health, including in the context of hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and C. Selenium is an essential trace element and a component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Chronic hepatitis infections are associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to liver damage and progression of disease.

Some scientific studies, particularly from regions with endemic selenium deficiency (such as parts of China), have suggested that selenium supplementation may reduce the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in individuals with chronic hepatitis B infection. For example, a notable randomized, placebo-controlled trial in China in the 1990s found that selenium supplementation reduced the incidence of liver cancer among hepatitis B carriers. Other small-scale studies and animal models have indicated that selenium may help improve certain liver function markers and mitigate liver damage in viral hepatitis.

However, the overall quality of evidence is limited. Most clinical studies are small, short-term, or observational, and results are not always consistent. Major clinical guidelines do not currently recommend selenium supplementation as a standard treatment for hepatitis. Therefore, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence to support the use of selenium in hepatitis, the strength of the evidence is modest (rated 2/5), and more large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are needed to establish clear benefits and guidelines for use.

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