Metabolic response to selenium supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

ObjectiveWe are aware of no study examining the effects of selenium supplementation on metabolic profiles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of selenium supplementation on glucose homeostasis parameters and lipid concentrations in women with PCOS. Design, patients and measurementsThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 70 women diagnosed with PCOS and aged 18-40years old. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive 200g per day selenium supplements (N=35) or placebo (N=35) for 8weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 8weeks intervention to quantify glucose, insulin and lipid concentrations. ResultsAfter 8weeks of intervention, subjects who received selenium supplements had significantly decreased serum insulin levels (-29834729 vs +907 +/- 7712 pmol/l, P=0013), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (-115 +/- 181 vs +042 +/- 309, P=0011), homeostatic model assessment-beta-cell function (HOMA-B) (-1906 +/- 3095 vs +455 +/- 4799, P=0017) and increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (+003 +/- 004 vs +00009 +/- 005, P=0032) compared with placebo. In addition, supplementation with selenium resulted in a significant reduction in serum triglycerides (-014 +/- 055 vs +011 +/- 030mmol/l, P=0025) and VLDL-C concentrations (-003 +/- 011 vs +002 +/- 006mmol/l, P=0025) compared with placebo. ConclusionsIn conclusion, 200 microgram per day selenium supplementation for 8weeks among PCOS women had beneficial effects on insulin metabolism parameters, triglycerides and VLDL-C levels; however, it did not affect FPG and other lipid profiles.