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Environmental Selenium and Human Health: an Update

  • Metals and Health (A Barchowsky, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Selenium, a trace element, is ubiquitous in the environment. The main source of human exposure is diet. Despite its nutritional benefits, it is one of the most toxic naturally occurring elements. Selenium deficiency and overexposure have been associated with adverse health effects. Its level of toxicity may depend on its chemical form, as inorganic and organic species have distinct biological properties.

Recent Findings

Nonexperimental and experimental studies have generated insufficient evidence for a role of selenium deficiency in human disease, with the exception of Keshan disease, a cardiomyopathy. Conversely, recent randomized trials have indicated that selenium overexposure is positively associated with type 2 diabetes and high-grade prostate cancer. In addition, a natural experiment has suggested an association between overexposure to inorganic hexavalent selenium and two neurodegenerative diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Summary

Risk assessments should be revised to incorporate the results of studies demonstrating toxic effects of selenium. Additional observational studies and secondary analyses of completed randomized trials are needed to address the uncertainties regarding the health risks of selenium exposure.

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  1. CREAGEN Research Center for Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy

    Marco Vinceti & Tommaso Filippini

  2. Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA

    Marco Vinceti & Lauren A. Wise

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Lauren A. Wise reports grants from National Institutes of Health (NICHD and NIEHS), while the study was conducted. Marco Vinceti and Tommaso Filippini declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Geographic location of experimental studies on the potential cancer-preventing properties of selenium in humans. (PNG 1874 kb)

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Vinceti, M., Filippini, T. & Wise, L.A. Environmental Selenium and Human Health: an Update. Curr Envir Health Rpt 5, 464–485 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-018-0213-0

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