# Low Selenium May Be a Risk Factor for Age-Related Muscle Loss, Review Finds

*Selenium Deficiency is a Significant Risk Factor for Sarcopenia: Evidence and Selenoprotein-Mediated Mechanisms.*

- **Evidence Level**: Preliminary
- **Why this grade**: Narrative review mixing observational human data with animal experiments, without any randomized trial of selenium supplements for muscle in people.
- **Facts**: Design: Review
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article, Review
- **Journal**: Biological trace element research
- **Sample Size**: N/A
- **Authors**: Ni Q, Wang H, Zhang J, Wang H
- **Graded and published**: 2026-09-18
- **Last edited**: 2026-09-21
- **Topics**: selenium, sarcopenia, muscle health
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-026-05350-9
- **Free full text**: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2645659/
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42758403/

## Summary

Older people with low selenium levels tend to have weaker grip and less muscle, and the lower the level, the worse it looks. This comes from a review pulling together population studies, one clinical study and animal experiments. For anyone worried about staying strong with age, it points to a trace mineral found in Brazil nuts, fish and eggs. Only animals have been given selenium in experiments so far, so no human trial shows supplements protect muscle.

## Practical Takeaway

This review suggests keeping selenium levels adequate may matter for muscle health in later life.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/low-selenium-may-be-a-risk-factor-for-age-related-muscle-loss-review-finds · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-09-21_