Effects of supplementation with selenium, as selenized yeast, in a healthy male population from New Zealand

Nutr Cancer. 2013;65(3):355-66. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2013.760743.

Abstract

Selenium (Se) supplementation was tested in a group of healthy men from Auckland, New Zealnd with selenized yeast (Selplex, 200 μg/day) as the supplementation mode. A set of biomarkers, including DNA damage levels and seleno-antioxidant enzyme levels, were evaluated at pre- and postsupplementation time points. Supplementation produced significant increases in serum Se levels, red blood cell (RBC) thioredoxin reductase (TR) activity and peroxide-induced DNA damage, when the mean baseline serum Se level was 110 ng/ml. Those with higher baseline serum Se levels gained less serum Se and showed a significant reduction of RBC glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity by supplementation. The optimum benefits of supplementation on DNA stability are observed when the serum Se level reaches between >120 and <160 ng/ml. However, the most significant observation was that those with highest baseline DNA damage benefit the most from Se supplementation, whereas those having lower baseline DNA damage are disadvantaged. A dose of 200 μg/day selenized yeast was also shown to be a safer supplementation option compared to a similar dose of selenomethionine (SeMet). This study highlights the requirement for prestratification of a population by standing serum Se level and baseline DNA damage level, before any Se supplementation is carried out.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • DNA / blood
  • DNA / drug effects
  • DNA Damage
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Glutathione Peroxidase / blood
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New Zealand
  • Peroxides / pharmacology
  • Selenium / administration & dosage*
  • Selenium / blood
  • Telomerase / blood
  • Yeasts

Substances

  • Peroxides
  • DNA
  • Glutathione Peroxidase
  • Telomerase
  • Selenium