Fatty Liver: Higher Blood Selenium Linked to Fewer Deaths
Graded Preliminary — an observational study of 1,787 adults with fatty liver; the main estimate is very uncertain, and observation alone cannot show that selenium itself is responsible.
- Design
- Retrospective cohort study
- Participants
- 1,787
- Duration
- —
- Funding
- Lianyungang Municipal Science and Technology Development Program for Cancer…
Adults with fatty liver and high blood selenium had a lower risk of death than those with low selenium.
People with fatty liver who had more selenium in their blood died less often in the following years than those with little selenium. Selenium is a trace mineral the body needs in small amounts. The researchers note that it affects inflammation and cell damage, both of which play a part in fatty liver.
The data came from a large US health survey run in 2017 and 2018. Out of more than 9,000 participants, 1,787 adults had fatty liver and a selenium measurement. The team then tracked who died, from any cause. The quarter with the highest levels, from about 204 micrograms per liter, had a 64 percent lower risk of death than the lowest quarter. This held after accounting for age, lifestyle and other illnesses. Above roughly 200 micrograms, the risk did not drop any further.
That key number is very uncertain. Its plausible range runs from almost no difference to a much lower risk. The link looked stronger in people aged 60 or older and in those with high blood pressure, but no clear difference from other groups was confirmed. Whether taking extra selenium helps people with fatty liver live longer cannot be read from observational data like these.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.