Serum selenium is lower in tuberculosis patients

Objectives:
Tuberculosis (TB) is associated with increased mortality. The high risk of micronutrients deficiency, including selenium, in tuberculosis patients is of great concern because it increases the risk of death. However, it is not clear whether selenium supplementation could improve the treatment outcomes in tuberculosis patients. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Have tuberculosis patients a low serum selenium concentration?

Study design:
This review article included 6 observational studies. Of them, 4 were carried out in Asia and one each in Africa and South America.

Potential sources of heterogeneity included study design and selenium measurement methods.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found the random pooled effect size was 1.6 [95% CI = 0.9 to 2.4, I2 = 95.1%]. This means that the probability is 160% for an individual with tuberculosis to have low levels of selenium as compared to an individual without tuberculosis.

The investigators concluded that serum selenium is lower in tuberculosis patients as compared with individuals without tuberculosis. Therefore, it is advisable to individually assess selenium status in tuberculosis patients and decide whether selenium supplement is needed or not.

Original title:
Serum selenium levels in tuberculosis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Muzembo BA, Mbendi NC, […], Ikeda S.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30262288

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on food fortification/malnutrition, selenium and food fortification right here.