High-Selenium Yeast Supplementation Doesn't Lower Plasma Lipid Levels

Studies have suggested that selenoproteins inhibit oxidation of lipids and platelet aggregation and reduce inflammation. However, results of studies in which researchers evaluated the relation between selenium and lipids have been somewhat contradictory. To determine whether selenium supplementation modifies serum lipid levels, U.K. researchers randomized nearly 500 people (age range, 60–74) to daily placebo or selenium (100, 200, or 300 µg), given in the form of high-selenium yeast.

At 6 months, people who received selenium at the 100-µg or 200-µg doses had modest mean reductions from baseline in total cholesterol levels (–8.5 mg/dL and –9.7 mg/dL, respectively); no improvement was noted with the 300-µg dose. No significant changes in HDL c…