New Findings on Selenium Supplements in Heart Failure Patients
Understanding Congestive Heart Failure
A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition has shed light on the impact of selenium supplements on individuals diagnosed with congestive heart failure. This condition is characterized by a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, swelling in the lower extremities, reduced exercise capacity, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. The primary issue for patients with congestive heart failure is the heart’s inability to function effectively as a pump due to weakened or dysfunctional cardiac muscles.
Causes and Prevalence
Congestive heart failure can arise from various factors, with heart attacks being the most prevalent cause. The high incidence of heart attacks contributes significantly to the prevalence of heart failure, creating a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Nearly 10 out of every 1,000 individuals over the age of 65 are affected by this condition.
Treatment Approaches
Standard treatments for heart failure focus on different objectives, primarily aiming to alleviate the heart’s workload to prevent further remodeling and progression of the disease. Previous studies have explored the influence of nutritional supplements, such as selenium and vitamin E, on inflammation and metabolic markers in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure.
Study Details
The recent study from the British Journal of Nutrition involved a clinical trial conducted at Kashan University of Medical Sciences in Iran, examining the effects of selenium supplements on cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with congestive heart failure. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 53 participants with heart failure, who were randomly assigned to receive either 200 micrograms of selenium per day or a placebo for a duration of 12 weeks.
Key Findings
The results indicated that participants receiving selenium experienced statistically significant reductions in serum insulin levels, insulin resistance, LDL cholesterol (known as harmful cholesterol), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation in the body) compared to those in the placebo group. Furthermore, selenium supplementation was associated with a notable increase in HDL cholesterol and improved insulin sensitivity.
Conclusion
The authors of the study concluded that selenium supplementation may effectively reduce insulin resistance and enhance various inflammatory markers in patients suffering from heart failure.
Reference
Raygan, F., Behnejad, M., Ostadmohammadi, V., Bahmani, F., Mansournia, M. A., Karamali, F., & Asemi, Z. (2018). Selenium supplementation lowers insulin resistance and markers of cardio-metabolic risk in patients with congestive heart failure: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 120(1), 33-40.