Metabolic response to selenium supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Summary Objective We are aware of no study examining the effects of selenium supplementation on metabolic profiles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of selenium supplementation on glucose homeostasis parameters and lipid concentrations in women with PCOS. Design, patients and measurements This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted among 70 women diagnosed with PCOS and aged 18–40 years old. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive 200 μg per day selenium supplements (N = 35) or placebo (N = 35) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks intervention to quantify glucose, insulin and lipid concentrations. Results After 8 weeks of intervention, subjects who received selenium supplements had significantly decreased serum insulin levels (−29·83 ± 47·29 vs +9·07 ± 77·12 pmol/l, P = 0·013), homeostasis model of assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (−1·15 ± 1·81 vs +0·42 ± 3·09, P = 0·011), homeostatic model assessment‐beta‐cell function (HOMA‐B) (−19·06 ± 30·95 vs +4·55 ± 47·99, P = 0·017) and increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (+0·03 ± 0·04 vs +0·0009 ± 0·05, P = 0·032) compared with placebo. In addition, supplementation with selenium resulted in a significant reduction in serum triglycerides (−0·14 ± 0·55 vs +0·11 ± 0·30 mmol/l, P = 0·025) and VLDL‐C concentrations (−0·03 ± 0·11 vs +0·02 ± 0·06 mmol/l, P = 0·025) compared with placebo. Conclusions In conclusion, 200 microgram per day selenium supplementation for 8 weeks among PCOS women had beneficial effects on insulin metabolism parameters, triglycerides and VLDL‐C levels; however, it did not affect FPG and other lipid profiles.