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Selenium for COVID-19
4 studies with >20,000 patients
Serious outcome risk
Selenium
Control
One study shows significant benefit.
COVID-19 Selenium studies · October 2026
The European Food Safety Authority has found evidence for a causal relationship between the intake of selenium and optimal immune system function1,2. Recent:
Hamza
Hosseini
Schmidt
He.
Covid Analysis Selenium for COVID-19: real-time meta-analysis of 12 studies (4 treatment studies and 8 sufficiency studies) (Version 6)
Meta-analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 34% [-40‑69%] lower risk, without reaching statistical significance. Results are similar for Randomized Controlled Trials and slightly worse for higher quality studies..
Aug 26
 Hosseini et al., medRxiv, doi:10.64898/2026.08.21.26360704 Efficacy of antioxidant therapy in mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection: A pilot experimental arm of the CanTreatCOVID adaptive platform trial
52% lower hospitalization (p=0.38) and 42% improved recovery (p=0.13). RCT 81 outpatients showing ~2-3x higher odds of favorable recovery outcomes with antioxidant treatment (selenium 300 µg, zinc 40 mg, lycopene 45 mg, vitamin C 1.5 g). With 81 patients the trial is too small to reach statistical significan..
Jun 30
 Hamza et al., International Journal of Nutrology, doi:10.54448/ijn26227 Estimation of oxidative stress, antioxidants and trace elements for COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study
Cross-sectional study of 60 COVID-19 patients and 40 healthy controls showing significant oxidative stress imbalance, with elevated copper and total oxidant status, and decreased selenium and vitamin C levels in COVID-19 patients compared..
Jun 27
 Schmidt et al., Redox Biology, doi:10.1016/j.redox.2026.104273 Low serum selenium combined with SELENOP-autoantibodies are associated with persistent fatigue after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Cross-sectional study of 750 adults assessed on average 21.9 months after PCR-verified SARS-CoV-2 infection, showing that the combination of low serum selenium (<70 μg/L) or low SELENOP (<4.1 mg/L) with SELENOP autoantibodies (SELENOP-aAb..
May 13
 He et al., Journal of Translational Medicine, doi:10.1186/s12967-026-08172-4 In-depth serum proteomics atlas of COVID-19 defines a Severity-Resistance Index from a four-protein panel for disease severity and prognosis
Proteomics and machine learning study of 128 COVID-19 patients (57 mild, 51 severe) and 20 healthy controls, identifying a serum panel (CCN1, SELENBP1, PLA2G2A, SFTPB) and deriving a Severity-Resistance Index (SRI) for predicting severe C..
Feb 12
 Roldán-Bretón et al., Nutrition, doi:10.1016/j.nut.2026.113144 Nutritional Status and Selenium Biomarkers in COVID-19
Cross-sectional study of 95 COVID-19 patients and 29 healthy controls examining selenium status and nutritional factors. Patients with moderate/severe COVID-19 had lower selenoprotein P levels compared to mild cases, despite adequate diet..
Oct 23
2025
 Smail et al., Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, doi:10.3389/fmolb.2025.1700263 Antioxidant and oxidative enzymes, genetic variants, and cofactors as prognostic biomarkers of COVID-19 severity and mortality: a systematic review
Review of oxidative stress biomarkers as prognostic indicators of COVID-19 severity and mortality through analysis of 146 studies encompassing enzymatic, genetic, and micronutrient determinants. Authors report that selenium and zinc defic..
Sep 16
2025
 Bleffgen et al., Frontiers in Nutrition, doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1608300 Micronutrient status and fatty acid profile of adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection—an observational study
Retrospective 139 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (62 hospitalized, 77 home care) and 314 healthy controls showing alterations in fatty acid profiles but similar overall micronutrient levels compared to controls. When stratified by disease s..
Jul 22
2025
 Paul Jackson, C., Zenodo, doi:10.5281/zenodo.16325841 Micronutrientes esenciales en la evolución clínica del SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes hospitalizados
Observational study of 15 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Peru showing significant inverse correlations between the intake of zinc, selenium, and vitamin C with both lung damage and oxygen requirements.
Apr 16
2025
 Morello et al., Italian Journal of Pediatrics, doi:10.1186/s13052-025-01961-5 Role of nutrient supplements in children with post-COVID condition: a retrospective preliminary observation and narrative review
Retrospective 1,243 children with COVID-19 showing lower risk of long COVID at 6 months when treated with a Multi-Element Product (MEP) containing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds (magnesium 200 mg, quercetin 150 mg, curcumin ..
Feb 28
2025
 Sarker et al., MDPI AG, doi:10.20944/preprints202502.2251.v1 Selenium as a Nutritional Shield in Viral Defense: A Narrative Review
Review of selenium's functions in immune regulation, oxidative stress reduction, and antiviral protection. Authors explain that selenium, an essential micronutrient, is incorporated into selenoproteins that serve as enzymatic antioxidants..
Jan 16
2025
 Sanduzzi Zamparelli et al., Life, doi:10.3390/life15010113 Immune-Boosting and Antiviral Effects of Antioxidants in COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Therapeutic Perspective
Review of immune-boosting and antiviral effects of antioxidants in COVID-19 pneumonia. Authors provide an overview of the literature on the use of antioxidants, including vitamins, trace elements, ozone, glutathione, L-carnitine, melatoni..
Dec 31
2024
 Mohamed et al., The Medical Journal of Cairo University, doi:10.21608/mjcu.2024.411836 Nutritional Assessment of Critically Ill Children with COVID-19 Admitted to PICU
57% lower mortality (p=0.02). Retrospective 60 hospitalized pediatric COVID-19 patients showing deficiencies in vitamin D, folic acid (B9), zinc, and selenium associated with higher mortality.
Nov 11
2024
 Fazli et al., Journal of Medical Bacteriology, 12:4 Possible Link between Gut Microbiota, Diet, and COVID-19 Infection
Review of the relationship between gut microbiota, diet, and COVID-19 infection. Authors analyze how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects gut microbiota composition and how dietary factors may influence disease outcomes. Studies show COVID-19 pat..
Nov 8
2024
 Xie et al., Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters, doi:10.1186/s11658-024-00659-6 The role of reactive oxygen species in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection-induced cell death
Review of the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on cell death pathways in SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 induces oxidative stress and ROS generation which can lead to several types of regulated cell death including NETosis, ferro..
Oct 5
2024
 Anber et al., Reports of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 13:2 Assessment of Oxidative Stress Parameters in Iraqi Male Patients with Covid-19; A Case Control Study
Analysis of 50 symptomatic COVID-19 patients (25 ICU and 25 non-ICU) and 25 healthy controls, showing significantly lower vitamin C, zinc, and selenium levels in COVID-19 patients versus healthy controls, and in ICU patients versus non-IC..
Sep 18
2024
 Kaushal, A., Journal of Translational Medicine, doi:10.1186/s12967-024-05587-9 Nutraceuticals and pharmacological to balance the transitional microbiome to extend immunity during COVID-19 and other viral infections
Review of nutraceuticals and pharmacological interventions to balance the microbiome and boost immunity during COVID-19 and other viral infections. Authors propose that optimal usage of probiotics, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, omeg..
Sep 16
2024
 Mu et al., Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, doi:10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101422 Anti-inflammatory and Nutritional Interventions Against SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Review
Review of anti-inflammatory and nutritional interventions against SARS-CoV-2. Authors emphasize the importance of a healthy immune response in reducing the severity of COVID-19, especially in high-risk groups like the elderly and those wi..
Sep 2
2024
 Secerlı et al., Toxicology Research, doi:10.1093/toxres/tfae177 Effects of Immunotoxicity biomarkers, essential elements and vitamin D levels on the severity levels of COVID-19 disease in Turkey
Analysis of 52 COVID-19 patients and 20 healthy controls, showing lower vitamin D, zinc, and selenium levels associated with COVID-19 progression.
Aug 1
2024
 Hasan Anber et al., Reports of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, doi:10.61186/rbmb.13.2.167 Assessment of Oxidative Stress Parameters in Iraqi Male Patients with COVID-19; A Case Control Study
Case-control study of 50 COVID-19 patients and 25 healthy controls, showing significantly lower zinc, selenium, and vitamins C levels in COVID-19 patients versus healthy controls, and in ICU patients versus non-ICU patients.
May 24
2024
 Rayman et al., Molecules, doi:10.3390/molecules29112466 Comment on Ambra et al. Could Selenium Supplementation Prevent COVID-19? A Comprehensive Review of Available Studies. Molecules 2023, 28, 4130
Commentary by several selenium researchers responding to a recent review by Ambra et al. that downplayed the role of selenium in COVID-19. Authors identify several omissions and misrepresentations in the review. They argue the review was ..
Jan 29
2024
 Rozemeijer et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu16030385 Micronutrient Status of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia
Prospective pilot study of 20 critically ill COVID-19 ICU patients showing high deficiency rates of 50-100% for vitamins A, B6, and D; zinc; and selenium at admission. Deficiencies of vitamins B6 and D, and low iron status, persisted afte..
Jan 12
2024
 De Luca et al., International Journal of Molecular Sciences, doi:10.3390/ijms25020971 Leveraging SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) for COVID-19 Mitigation with Selenium-Based Inhibitors
In vitro study showing that novel selenium-containing compounds including benzoselenoates and carbamoselenoates inhibit SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) activity. After successfully expressing and purifying recombinant Mpro, authors find s..
Dec 24
2023
 Maia et al., Molecules, doi:10.3390/molecules29010120 Selenium—More than Just a Fortuitous Sulfur Substitute in Redox Biology
Review of the role of selenium and selenoproteins in viral infections. Authors note that several studies have shown lower serum selenium levels in COVID-19 patients, and selenium deficiency has been linked with increased severity and mort..
Nov 11
2023
 Hafizi et al., Trials, doi:10.1186/s13063-023-07624-2 Beneficial effects of the combination of BCc1 and Hep-S nanochelating-based medicines on IL-6 in hospitalized moderate COVID-19 adult patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
35% lower mortality (p=0.68), 81% lower need for oxygen therapy, and 22% improved recovery. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 122 moderate hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Iran, evaluating the addition of BCc1 iron chelator and Hep-S selenium nanomedicines to standard treatment. The nanomedicine group showed..
Sep 20
2023
 Yuan et al., Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, doi:10.1038/s41392-023-01580-8 The role of cell death in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Review of cell death pathways in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Authors note that studies show lower selenium levels are associated with higher COVID-19 mortality. Through preserving glutathione peroxidase 4 activity and countering oxidative stres..
Sep 18
2023
 Zhou et al., Chemical Science, doi:10.1039/d3sc03345g Metal-coding assisted serological multi-omics profiling deciphers the role of selenium in COVID-19 immunity
In vitro and mouse study highlighting selenium's potential for COVID-19 treatment through modulation of cytokines, selenoproteins, and immune cells. Using metal-coding mass spectrometry, authors link the COVID-19 metallome to disease seve..
Aug 16
2023
 Sinha et al., Preprints, doi:10.20944/preprints202308.1168.v1 Selective Impact of Selenium Compounds on Two Cytokine Storm Players
In vitro analysis of selenium for reducing inflammatory cytokine production in a cell model of COVID-19 infection. Methylseleninic acid was the most potent at reducing secretion of the cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, key factors in the cytokine..
Jul 26
2023
 Roldán-Bretón et al., Journal of Nutritional Science, doi:10.1017/jns.2023.69 Selenium serum levels in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta analysis of 11 studies, showing significantly lower selenium levels in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls.
Jul 26
2023
 Wozniak et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu15153308 Association of Trace Element Levels with Outcomes in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
62% lower mortality (p=0.1) and 47% lower progression (p=0.2). Retrospective 345 COVID-19 patients in Switzerland, showing significantly different selenium levels with ICU patients < hospitalized patients < outpatients. For ICU patients, there was higher mortality, septic shock, and mechanical ventil..
May 11
2023
 Vaisi et al., The Clinical Respiratory Journal, doi:10.1111/crj.13632 The association between nutrients and occurrence of COVID-19 outcomes in the population of Western Iran: A cohort study
53% lower hospitalization (p=0.02) and 15% fewer symptomatic cases (p=0.04). Analysis of nutrient intake and COVID-19 outcomes for 3,996 people in Iran, showing lower risk of COVID-19 hospitalization with sufficient vitamin A, vitamin C, and selenium intake, with statistical significance for vitamin A and selenium.
Apr 20
2023
 Fan et al., BioMetals, doi:10.1007/s10534-023-00501-0 Zinc and selenium status in coronavirus disease 2019
Meta analysis showing increased risk of COVID-19 with zinc deficiency and selenium deficiency. Zinc deficiency was also associated with severity, while there was no significant association for mortality.
Apr 1
2023
 Reino-Gelardo et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu15071736 Effect of an Immune-Boosting, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Food Supplement in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study
61% lower mortality (p=0.05). RCT 162 late stage (65% on oxygen) patients in Spain, 78 treated with probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium, showing lower mortality with treatment, statistically significant only within the patients with high severity at ..
Mar 21
2023
 Lahaye et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu15061516 Minerals and Antioxidant Micronutrients Levels and Clinical Outcome in Older Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 during the First Wave of the Pandemic
34% lower mortality (p=0.14) and 14% lower severe cases (p=0.51). Retrospective 235 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in France, showing higher mortality with lower selenium levels, without statistical significance. Results are provided for selenium levels as a continuous value.
Mar 8
2023
 Šķesters et al., Medicina, doi:10.3390/medicina59030527 Selenium Status and Oxidative Stress in SARS-CoV-2 Patients
Analysis of 80 post-COVID-19 disease patients and 40 acutely ill patients in Latvia, showing significantly lower selenium levels in acute patients, and levels close to the lower limit of the normal range for the European population in pos..
Feb 8
2023
 Larvie et al., Current Developments in Nutrition, doi:10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.100044 COVID-19 Severity Is Associated with Selenium Intake among Young Adults with Low Selenium and Zinc Intake in North Carolina
Analysis of 97 COVID-19 patients in the USA, showing selenium intake inversely associated with COVID-19 severity among individuals with below median intake.
Jan 31
2023
 Golin et al., Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127099 Relationship between selenium status, selenoproteins and COVID-19 and other inflammatory diseases: A critical review
Review of the relationship between selenium, selenoproteins, COVID-19, and other inflammatory and viral diseases. Authors found that COVID-19 severity and mortality have been associated with selenium deficiency in some studies, though dat..
Nov 28
2022
 Demircan et al., Frontiers in Immunology, doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.1022673 Association of COVID-19 mortality with serum selenium, zinc and copper: Six observational studies across Europe
Retrospective 551 COVID-19 patients in Europe, showing an inverse association between selenium or zinc levels and mortality.
Sep 30
2022
 Chanihoon et al., Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127038 Selenium and mercury concentrations in biological samples from patients with COVID-19
Analysis of 115 COVID-19 patients and 158 healthy controls, showing lower selenium levels and higher mercury levels in all sample types for COVID-19 patients (scalp hair, blood, serum, sputum, saliva, nasal fluid).
Sep 2
2022
 Foshati et al., Food Science & Nutrition, doi:10.1002/fsn3.3034 Antioxidants and clinical outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A systematic review of observational and interventional studies
Systematic review showing that vitamin C, vitamin D, selenium, and zinc can improve COVID-19 clinical outcomes.
Aug 4
2022
 Bego et al., Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127055 Association of Trace Element Status in COVID-19 Patients with Disease Severity
Analysis of 210 hospitalized patients in Bosnia and Herzegovina with serum levels measured on admission, showing significantly lower zinc and selenium levels in patients that died or had severe cases, compared to mild cases.
Jun 30
2022
 Borzouei et al., Nutrition and Food Sciences Research, 9:2 Assessment of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Retinol-binding Protein (RBP), Zinc, Selenium, Copper and Magnesium in Iranian COVID-19 Patients and Their Relationships with the Disease Linked Death
Analysis of 98 hospitalized COVID-19 patients showing that a high proportion of patients had nutrient deficiencies: 59% for vitamin D, 12% for vitamin B12, 53% for RBP, 31% for zinc, 89% for selenium, 16% for copper, and 27% for magnesium..
May 27
2022
 Galmés et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu14112254 Suboptimal Consumption of Relevant Immune System Micronutrients Is Associated with a Worse Impact of COVID-19 in Spanish Populations
Ecological study in Spain, showing lower intake of vitamin D, A, B9, and zinc in regions with the highest COVID-19 incidence and mortality. Vitamin D intake was associated with lower prevalence, incidence, and a combined incidence+mortali..
Apr 30
2022
 Voelkle et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu14091862 Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: An Observational Cohort Study
12% lower combined mortality/ICU admission (p=0.77). Prospective study of 57 consecutive hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Switzerland, showing higher risk of mortality/ICU admission with vitamin A, vitamin D, and zinc deficiency, with statistical significance only for vitamin A and zinc. A..
Feb 28
2022
 Nimer et al., Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, doi:10.17305/bjbms.2021.7009 The impact of vitamin and mineral supplements usage prior to COVID-19 infection on disease severity and hospitalization
26% higher hospitalization (p=0.48) and 9% higher severe cases (p=0.8). Retrospective 2,148 COVID-19 recovered patients in Jordan, showing no significant differences in the risk of severity and hospitalization with selenium prophylaxis.
Feb 26
2022
 Hajdrik et al., Foods, doi:10.3390/foods11050694 In Vitro Determination of Inhibitory Effects of Humic Substances Complexing Zn and Se on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Replication
In vitro study of a humic substance containing vitamin C, selemium ions, and zinc ions, showing 50% SARS-CoV-2 inhibition at picomolar concentrations.
Jan 7
2022
 Al-Saleh et al., BioMetals, doi:10.1007/s10534-021-00355-48 Essential metals, vitamins and antioxidant enzyme activities in COVID-19 patients and their potential associations with the disease severity
Prospective study of 155 COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia, showing that 30% of patients were selenium deficient (<70.08 μg/L). Patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms had 18% lower selenium levels compared to asymptomatic patients after a..
Dec 15
2021
 Ghoweba et al., NCT04869579 Selenium as a Potential Treatment for Moderately-ill, Severely-ill, and Critically-ill COVID-19 Patients
Estimated 100 patient selenium late treatment RCT with results not reported over 4 years after estimated completion.
Nov 5
2021
 Fakhrolmobasheri et al., Biological Trace Element Research, doi:10.1007/s12011-021-02997-4 COVID-19 and Selenium Deficiency: a Systematic Review
Review of 11 studies, 9 showing lower serum selenium levels associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Two studies reported no significant association between serum selenium level and COVID-19. In one study, urinary selenium level was repor..
Oct 11
2021
 Majeed et al., Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, doi:10.1155/2021/8447545 A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of a Nutritional Supplement (ImmuActive) for COVID-19 Patients
43% improved recovery (p=0.004) and 6% faster viral clearance (p=0.47). RCT 100 patients in India, 50 treated with ImmuActive (curcumin, andrographolides, resveratrol, zinc, selenium, and piperine), showing improved recovery with treatment.
Oct 4
2021
 Kocak et al., Biological Trace Element Research, doi:10.1007/s12011-021-02946-1 Evaluation of Serum Trace Element Levels and Biochemical Parameters of COVID-19 Patients According to Disease Severityhttps://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12011-021-02946-1
Analysis of 60 COVID-19 patients and 32 healthy controls, showing that zinc and selenium levels were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. Zinc levels decreased with increasing disease severity from asymptomatic t..
Sep 22
2021
 Du Laing et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu13103304 Course and Survival of COVID-19 Patients with Comorbidities in Relation to the Trace Element Status at Hospital Admission
92% lower mortality (p=0.001). Retrospective 73 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Belgium, showing higher risk of mortality with selenium deficiency and zinc deficiency.
Sep 3
2021
 Razeghi Jahromi et al., BMC Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1186/s12879-021-06617-3 The correlation between serum selenium, zinc, and COVID-19 severity: an observational study
Prospective analysis of 84 patients in Iran, showing higher selenium and zinc levels associated with a decrease in serum CRP level. There was no statistically significant association between selenium/zinc levels and disease severity.
Aug 25
2021
 Bagher Pour et al., International Journal of Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2021.08.053 Serum trace elements levels and clinical outcomes among Iranian COVID-19 patients
Prospective analysis of 114 ICU patients and 112 matched non-ICU patients in Iran, showing no significant difference in selenium levels.
Jul 1
2021
 Younesian et al., Biological Trace Element Research, doi:10.1007/s12011-021-02797-w Decreased Serum Selenium Levels of COVID-19 Patients in Comparison with Healthy Individuals
Analysis of 50 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 50 healthy controls, showing significantly lower selenium levels in COVID-19 patients. There was no significant difference between survivors and non-survivors.
Jun 20
2021
 Notz et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu13062113 Clinical Significance of Micronutrient Supplementation in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients with Severe ARDS
Retrospective 22 ICU patients, showing most patients had low selenium status biomarkers and low zinc levels, and reporting on treatment with nutrient supplementation including selenium and zinc. Authors conclude that sufficient selenium a..
May 22
2021
 Asimi et al., Endocrine Abstracts, doi:10.1530/endoabs.73.PEP14.2 Selenium, zinc, and vitamin D supplementation affect the clinical course of COVID-19 infection in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
97% lower ventilation (p<0.0001), 99% lower hospitalization (p<0.0001), and 100% lower severe cases (p<0.0001). Retrospective 356 Hashimoto's thyroiditis outpatients, 270 taking vitamin D, zinc, and selenium, showing significantly lower hospitalization with treatment. Authors adjust for age, gender, BMI, and smoking status, reporting statistically ..
May 19
2021
 Zhang et al., BMC Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1186/s12879-021-06167-8 Association between fatality rate of COVID-19 and selenium deficiency in China
Ecological study of 14,045 COVID-19 cases from 147 cities in China, showing higher case fatality rates associated with selenium deficiency. Based on selenium content in crops, the case fatality rates (CFRs) were 1.17% in non-selenium-defi..
Apr 15
2021
 Skalny et al., Metabolites, doi:10.3390/metabo11040244 Serum Zinc, Copper, and Other Biometals Are Associated with COVID-19 Severity Markers
Analysis of serum metal levels in 150 COVID-19 patients and 44 controls, finding that COVID-19 severity was associated with lower serum Ca, Fe, Se, Zn levels when compared to controls.
Apr 9
2021
 Khatiwada et al., Current Nutrition Reports, doi:10.1007/s13668-021-00354-4 A Mechanistic Link Between Selenium and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Review discussing the link between selenium and COVID-19. Authors note that selenium deficiency is common in COVID-19 patients, with lower levels associated with higher mortality and lower cure rates. Selenium has a critical role in redox..
Mar 30
2021
 Holt et al., Thorax, doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2021-217487 Risk factors for developing COVID-19: a population-based longitudinal study (COVIDENCE UK)
80% fewer cases (p=0.11). Prospective survey-based study with 15,227 people in the UK, showing lower risk of COVID-19 cases with vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, probiotics, and inhaled corticosteroids; and higher risk with metformin and vitamin C. Statistica..
Feb 28
2021
 Majeed et al., Nutrition, doi:10.1016/j.nut.2020.111053 An exploratory study of selenium status in healthy individuals and in patients with COVID-19 in a south Indian population: The case for adequate selenium status
67% fewer cases (p=0.06). Analysis of 30 COVID-19 patients and 30 healthy controls in India, showing significantly lower selenium levels in COVID-19 patients. 43.3% of COVID-19 patients had selenium levels <70 ng/mL compared to 20% of controls.
Feb 1
2021
 Muhammad et al., SAGE Open Medicine, doi:10.1177/2050312121991246 Deficiency of antioxidants and increased oxidative stress in COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional comparative study in Jigawa, Northwestern Nigeria
Case control study with 50 symptomatic COVID-19 patients and 21 healthy controls in Nigeria, showing that COVID-19 patients had significantly lower levels of selenium and zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. Control patients were younger than ..
Jan 1
2021
 Alkattan et al., Alexandria Journal of Medicine, doi:10.1080/20905068.2020.1870788 Correlation between Micronutrient plasma concentration and disease severity in COVID-19 patients
Analysis of 80 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia, showing higher selenium levels for severe patients.
Oct 31
2020
 Zhang et al., Redox Biology, doi:10.1016/j.redox.2020.101715 Selenium and selenoproteins in viral infection with potential relevance to COVID-19
Review of the role of selenium and selenoproteins in viral infections, with a focus on COVID-19. Authors present evidence that selenium deficiency is associated with higher COVID-19 mortality, and that higher selenium status correlates wi..
Sep 8
2020
 Galmés et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu12092738 Current State of Evidence: Influence of Nutritional and Nutrigenetic Factors on Immunity in the COVID-19 Pandemic Framework
Ecological study of European countries analyzing 10 vitamins and minerals endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority as having sufficient evidence for a causal relationship between intake and optimal immune system function: vitamins D..
Aug 11
2020
 Im et al., International Journal of Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.08.018 Nutritional status of patients with COVID-19
88% lower mortality (p=0.07), 90% lower ventilation (p=0.03), and 4% higher progression (p=1). Analysis of 50 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in South Korea showing 42% of patients with selenium deficiency, and lower mechanical ventilation with selenium sufficiency.
Aug 7
2020
 Alexander et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu12082358 Early Nutritional Interventions with Zinc, Selenium and Vitamin D for Raising Anti-Viral Resistance Against Progressive COVID-19
Review exploring the potential of early nutritional intervention with zinc, selenium and vitamin D to prevent progression of COVID-19, based on the importance of these micronutrients for anti-viral resistance and reduced inflammation. Aut..
Jul 16
2020
 Moghaddam et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu12072098 Selenium Deficiency Is Associated with Mortality Risk from COVID-19
56% lower mortality (p=0.01). Analysis of 33 COVID-19 patients showing selenium levels significantly lower than reference levels, and significantly lower levels in non-survivors compared with survivors.
Jun 30
2020
 Zhang et al., The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqaa095 Association between regional selenium status and reported outcome of COVID-19 cases in China
Analysis of COVID-19 outcomes and selenium status in China, showing higher selenium levels correlated with a higher recovery rate.
Oct 1
2009
 EFSA, EFSA Journal, doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1220 Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to selenium and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage (ID 277, 283, 286, 1289, 1290, 1291, 1293, 1751), function of the immune system (ID 278), thyroid function (ID 279, 282, 286, 1289, 1290, 1291, 1293), function of the heart and blood vessels (ID 280), prostate function (ID 284), cognitive function (ID 285) and spermatogenesis (ID 396) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
European Food Safety Administration review concluding that there is a causal relationship between the intake of selenium and immune system function.
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