The association between selenium levels and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a systematic review of the literature

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Silva, I (Author) Other; Bracchi, I (Author) Other; Elisa Keating (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: British Journal of Nutrition

Pages: 1-15

ISSN: 0007-1145

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 3 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-N2K

DOI: 10.1017/s0007114522003671

Abstract (EN): Selenium (Se) is essential for selenoprotein synthesis, being thus important for immune and thyroid function, and for antioxidant defence. Some studies have shown that low levels of Se may associate with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Nevertheless, evidence supporting Se supplementation in pregnant or childbearing-age women is still lacking. In this context, this work aimed to systematically review the most recent scientific evidence to understand the relationship between Se levels and HDP. We performed a systematic review (protocol number: CRD42022310424) with literature of the last decade. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, registers and grey literature were searched to identify studies reporting measurement of Se levels in normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women (supplemented or not with Se). Study quality was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Study Quality Assessment Tools. Among the thirty included studies, a majority, 61 % (n 19) of the 'good' or 'fair' studies, reported a negative association between Se and HDP, and some studies, 39 % (n 11) of the 'good' or 'fair' studies, reported a lack of association. This review provides an important amount of quality evidence suggesting that low Se levels associate with the occurrence of HDP. Nevertheless, the gathered information is not enough to underlie a recommendation for Se supplementation in pregnancy to protect against HDP. Thus, this review emphasises the need for further well-designed randomised controlled trials that may provide blunt evidence regarding the benefits of Se supplementation during pregnancy.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15