Shining a Light on Selenium: a Meta-analysis of Supplementation in Multiple Sclerosis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #multiple-sclerosis #selenium #dietary-supplements #antioxidants

Shining a Light on Selenium: a Meta-analysis of Supplementation in Multiple Sclerosis

Rahmani et al., 2024 | Biol Trace Elem Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Rahmani Mehrab, Pakkhesal Sina, ... Naseri Amirreza. Shining a Light on Selenium: a Meta-analysis of Supplementation in Multiple Sclerosis. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2024-Oct;202(10):4375-4386. doi:10.1007/s12011-023-04026-y

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Selenium is a trace element with significant antioxidant activity. This study aimed to seek evidence concerning selenium supplementation in MS. A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases to identify the studies assessing the consumption rate, efficacy, and safety of selenium and selenium-containing supplementations in MS patients. The meta-analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tools. A total of 9 studies were included, which consisted of six studies regarding the rate of selenium supplement consumption in MS patients, with a total sample size of 2381 patients. Based on the quantitative synthesis, 14.3% (95% CI, 12.8-16.0%; I2, 3.58%) of MS patients had current selenium supplements usage, and 11.3% (95% CI, 7.6-16.6%; I2, 81.40%) of patients had used selenium supplements previously. Although there is no evidence regarding supplementation with selenium alone, three RCT studies reported the safety of selenium-containing supplementation use in MS with improved inflammation and oxidative stress conditions. The findings of this study show that over 10% of patients with MS used selenium supplements, with no clinical significance supporting the benefits. There is a lack of evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of selenium supplements in MS patients. Due to the limited number of included studies and the lack of comprehensive and specific studies regarding selenium supplements in MS, the results must be interpreted with caution, and future clinical trials are required.

Key Findings

Due to the limited number of included studies and the lack of comprehensive and specific studies regarding selenium supplements in MS, the results must be interpreted with caution, and future clinical trials are required.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population ms used selenium supplements
Sample Size 2381
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Selenium
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Antioxidants
  • Oxidative Stress

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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