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

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Synopsis

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

Selenium is an essential trace mineral with a recognized role in supporting immune function, which underlies its investigation for the prevention and treatment of infections. Scientifically, selenium is a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, an important antioxidant enzyme that helps protect cells from oxidative stress during immune responses. Several studies have shown that selenium deficiency impairs immune competence, increasing susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. For instance, low selenium status has been associated with more severe outcomes in viral infections such as influenza and HIV, and with increased virulence of certain viruses (notably, Coxsackievirus and influenza virus). Additionally, supplementation in selenium-deficient individuals has been demonstrated to enhance immune responses and, in some studies, to reduce the severity or duration of infections. However, evidence from randomized controlled trials is inconsistent, and the benefits of supplementation in selenium-replete populations are unclear. The use of selenium in treating or preventing infections is thus supported by mechanistic rationale and some clinical trial evidence, but large-scale, high-quality studies are lacking, and routine supplementation is not currently recommended except for individuals with proven deficiency. Overall, while there is scientific validation for selenium’s role in immune support and infection susceptibility, the clinical evidence for its use as a treatment or preventative measure for infections is modest, justifying a rating of 2 out of 5 for strength of evidence.

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