Selenium serum levels in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #selenium #covid-19 #sars-cov-2 #antioxidants

Selenium serum levels in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Roldán-Bretón et al., 2023 | J Nutr Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Roldán-Bretón Nuria Renata, Capuchino-Suárez Adriana Guadalupe, ... Lima-Sánchez Dania Nimbe. Selenium serum levels in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Nutr Sci. 2023;12:e86. doi:10.1017/jns.2023.69

Abstract

The nutritional status is a determinant of the immune response that promotes a cellular homeostasis. In particular, adequate selenium levels lead to a better antioxidant and immune response. The aim of this work is to assess whether blood selenium levels, at time of SARS-CoV-2 infection, have an impact on the development and severity of COVID-19. A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative and descriptive studies using MeSH terms, selenium and COVID-19 was performed. We searched bibliographic databases up to 17 July 2022 in PubMed and ScienceDirect. Studies that reported data on blood selenium levels were considered. A total of 629 articles were examined by abstract and title, of which 595 abstracts were read, of which 38 were included in the systematic review and 11 in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted to mean difference (MD) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI), and heterogeneity was tested by I2 with random factors with a MD between selenium levels, mortality, morbidity and healthy subjects with a P-value of 0⋅05. Selenium levels were higher in healthy people compared to those in patients with COVID-19 disease (six studies, random effects MD: test for overall effect Z = 3⋅28 (P = 0⋅001), 97 % CI 28⋅36 (11⋅41-45⋅31), P < 0⋅00001), but without difference when compared with the degree of severity in mild, moderate or severe cases. In conclusion, the patients with active SARS-CoV-2 infection had lower selenium levels than the healthy population. More studies are needed to evaluate its impact on clinical severity through randomised clinical trials.

Key Findings

More studies are needed to evaluate its impact on clinical severity through randomised clinical trials.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Selenium
  • COVID-19
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Antioxidants

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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