The Role of Selenium During Gestation in the Development of Fetal Congenital Anomalies: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #selenium #pregnancy #female #congenital-abnormalities

The Role of Selenium During Gestation in the Development of Fetal Congenital Anomalies: A Systematic Review

Stachika et al., 2026 | Nutrients | Systematic Review

Citation

Stachika Nikolina, Tsarna Ermioni, ... Christopoulos Panagiotis. The Role of Selenium During Gestation in the Development of Fetal Congenital Anomalies: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2026-Feb-01;18(3). doi:10.3390/nu18030479

Abstract

Background/Objectives: During intrauterine development, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis are strictly regulated for organogenesis to be ensured; disruption of these processes, e.g., by oxidative stress, may lead to congenital anomalies. This systematic review aimed to examine the role of selenium (Se), an important antioxidant, during gestation in the development of congenital anomalies. Methods: To identify relevant original research studies in English, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched up to December 2025. A qualitative synthesis, quality appraisal, and assessment of predefined sources of bias and heterogeneity were performed. Results: 2743 titles and abstracts were screened, 473 full texts assessed, and 31 papers included. Selenium exposure did not affect the risk of all/any congenital anomalies (n = 20,815), abdominal (n = 89,273) and limb anomalies (n = 551,547), chromosomal anomalies (n = 1242), or fetal alcohol syndrome (n = 41). Higher concentrations of Se were associated with increased risk for urinary tract anomalies (n = 2150), but decreased risk for congenital heart defects (n = 1807), neural tube defects (max n = 12,188), and orofacial clefts (max n = 1155). Conclusions: Available scientific evidence arises from observational studies and is prone to confounding mainly by gestational age, while only one randomized controlled trial has been identified. Given the major contribution of congenital anomalies to neonatal morbidity, mortality, and long-term impairment of quality of life, well-designed prospective studies are required to establish scientific consensus, define optimal maternal Se levels during pregnancy, and provide evidence-based recommendations for Se supplementation during pregnancy.

Key Findings

2743 titles and abstracts were screened, 473 full texts assessed, and 31 papers included. Selenium exposure did not affect the risk of all/any congenital anomalies (n = 20,815), abdominal (n = 89,273) and limb anomalies (n = 551,547), chromosomal anomalies (n = 1242), or fetal alcohol syndrome (n = 41). Higher concentrations of Se were associated with increased risk for urinary tract anomalies (n = 2150), but decreased risk for congenital heart defects (n = 1807), neural tube defects (max n = 12

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 20815
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Selenium
  • Pregnancy
  • Female
  • Congenital Abnormalities
  • Antioxidants
  • Fetal Development

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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