Selenium Shows Evidence for Preventing Heart Failure: The leading cause of hospital admissions after age 65
Source: Int J Prev Med (2019)
Lifestyle Medicine Update (March 26, 2024)
Introduction:
Heart failure, accounting for approximately one in nine deaths globally, signifies a weakened heart muscle’s inability to effectively pump blood throughout the body. Preventing this condition is paramount, given the prevalence of risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, diabetes, and lack of fitness.
Key Findings on Selenium:
- Recent research unveils a robust correlation between sub-optimal selenium intake, blood levels, and an increased risk of heart failure.
- A 2019 study showcased significantly lower selenium blood levels in heart failure patients compared to healthy individuals, underlining selenium’s pivotal role.
- Prior studies demonstrate notable improvements in heart failure with selenium supplementation, elevating blood selenium levels into the optimal range. Selenium supplementation concurrently mitigates additional heart disease risk factors like LDL-cholesterol, CRP (an inflammatory marker), and boosts HDL cholesterol, alongside enhancing insulin function for blood sugar regulation
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29936923/
Geographical Insights:
- Certain regions like parts of China, New Zealand, and Finland exhibit low soil selenium levels, leading to prevalent heart failure conditions like Keshan disease. Selenium supplementation in these areas has demonstrated efficacy in preventing heart failure.
Prominent Study Insights:
- A comprehensive Swedish study provided 443 healthy elderly individuals with CoQ10 (200 mg) and selenium (200 ug), resulting in a remarkable over 50% reduction in heart failure and cardiovascular deaths over a decade. The study underscores the significance of achieving an optimal selenium blood level of 120 ug/L for heart failure prevention.
- Many adults possess selenium levels below 75 ug/L, emphasizing the necessity of selenium supplementation to shield the heart muscle against free radical damage and inflammation, common culprits contributing to heart muscle weakening.
Recommended Selenium Intake:
- Studies advocate daily supplementation with 200 ug of selenium to attain ideal blood levels (100 – 145 ug/L), as lower doses are insufficient for optimal outcomes.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25990689/
Personal Practice and Conclusion:
- Personal practices often include consuming a high-potency multivitamin containing 200 ug of selenium daily, acknowledging heart failure as a prevalent cause of hospital admissions among individuals aged over 65.
- Additional supplementation with CoQ10, Hawthorn, Quercetin, and L-Taurine post age 45 aids in maintaining optimal heart muscle function.
- In essence, addressing sub-optimal selenium nutritional status through daily supplementation emerges as a prudent approach to prevent chronic heart failure, thereby safeguarding heart health in the long run.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210833516000046#:~:text=Chronic%20heart%20failure%20(HF)%20occurs,population%20aged%2070%E2%80%9380%20years.&text=The%20prognosis%20is%20poor%20for,patients%20older%20than%2065%20years
Thanks for watching and I’ll see you next time.
Reference:
Mirdamadi A et al. Selenium level in patients with heart failure versus normal individuals. Int J Prev Med. 2019.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6941308/
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Dr. Meschino
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Dr. James Meschino
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.