Selenium status and immunity

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #antioxidants #dietary-supplements #nutritional-status #selenium

Selenium status and immunity

Fairweather-Tait et al., 2023 | Proc Nutr Soc | Systematic Review

Citation

Fairweather-Tait Susan J, Filippini Tommaso, Vinceti Marco. Selenium status and immunity. Proc Nutr Soc. 2023-Feb;82(1):32-38. doi:10.1017/S0029665122002658

Abstract

Selenium is found at the active centre of twenty-five selenoproteins which have a variety of roles, including the well-characterised function of antioxidant defense, but it also is claimed to be involved in the immune system. However, due to limited and conflicting data for different parameters of immune function, intakes of selenium that have an influence on immune function are uncertain. This review covers the relationship between selenium and immune function in man, focusing on the highest level of evidence, namely that generated by randomised controlled trials (RCT), in which the effect of selective administration of selenium, in foods or a supplement, on immune function was assessed. A total of nine RCT were identified from a systematic search of the literature, and some of these trials reported effects on T and natural killer cells, which were dependent on the dose and form of selenium administered, but little effect of selenium on humoral immunity. There is clearly a need to undertake dose-response analysis of cellular immunity data in order to derive quantitative relationships between selenium intake and measures of immune function. Overall, limited effects on immunity emerged from experimental studies in human subjects, though additional investigation on the potential influence of selenium status on cellular immunity appears to be warranted.

Key Findings

Overall, limited effects on immunity emerged from experimental studies in human subjects, though additional investigation on the potential influence of selenium status on cellular immunity appears to be warranted.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Antioxidants
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Nutritional Status
  • Selenium
  • Selenoproteins

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: selenium

Provenance

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