Selenium and impaired physical function in US and Spanish older adults

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#activities-of-daily-living #aged #cross-sectional-studies #humans #middle-aged

Selenium and impaired physical function in US and Spanish older adults

García-Esquinas et al., 2021 | Redox Biol | Meta Analysis

Citation

García-Esquinas E, Carrasco-Rios M, ... Rodríguez-Artalejo F. Selenium and impaired physical function in US and Spanish older adults. Redox Biol. 2021-Jan;38:101819. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2020.101819

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Selenium (Se) is a trace element with a narrow safety margin. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal dose-response association between Se exposure and measures of impaired physical function and disability in older adults. DESIGN: NHANES 2011-2014 cross-sectional (US, n = 1733, age ≥60 years) and Seniors-ENRICA-2 2017-2019 cross-sectional and longitudinal (Spain, n = 2548 and 1741, respectively, age ≥65 years) data were analyzed. Whole blood and serum Se levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Lower-extremity performance was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery, and muscle weakness with a dynamometer. Incident mobility and agility limitations, and disability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were ascertained with standardized questionnaires. Analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders, including physical activity. Results across studies were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Meta-analyzed odds ratios (95% confidence interval) per log2 increase in whole blood Se were 0.54 (0.32; 0.76) for weakness, 0.59 (0.34; 0.83) for impaired lower-extremity performance, 0.48 (0.31; 0.68) for mobility limitations, 0.71 (0.45; 0.97) for agility limitations, and 0.34 (0.12; 0.56) for disability in at least one IADL. Analyses for serum Se in NHANES showed similar results. Findings suggest the inverse association with grip strength is progressive below 140 μg/L (p-value for non-linear trend in the Seniors-ENRICA-2 study = 0.13), and above 140 μg/L (p-value for non-linear trend in NHANES = 0.11). In the Seniors-ENRICA-2 cohort, with a 2.2 year follow-up period, a doubling in baseline Se levels were associated with a lower incidence of weakness [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.45 (0.22; 0.91)], impaired lower-extremity performance [0.63 (0.32; 1.23)], mobility [0.43 (0.21; 0.91)] and agility [0.38 (0.18; 0.78)] limitations. DISCUSSION: In US and Spanish older adults, Se concentrations were inversely associated with physical function limitations. Further studies are needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Key Findings

Meta-analyzed odds ratios (95% confidence interval) per log2 increase in whole blood Se were 0.54 (0.32; 0.76) for weakness, 0.59 (0.34; 0.83) for impaired lower-extremity performance, 0.48 (0.31; 0.68) for mobility limitations, 0.71 (0.45; 0.97) for agility limitations, and 0.34 (0.12; 0.56) for disability in at least one IADL. Analyses for serum Se in NHANES showed similar results. Findings suggest the inverse association with grip strength is progressive below 140 μg/L (p-value for non-linear

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population older adults
Sample Size 1733
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Selenium
  • Spain

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: selenium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09