Selenium supplements and Polycystic Ovary syndrome and its key risk factors: a Mendelian Randomization Study

Summary

This Mendelian Randomisation study used GWAS data from European ancestry populations to investigate potential causal relationships between six mineral micronutrients (selenium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, and omega-3) and polycystic ovary syndrome and its metabolic risk factors. Genetically predicted selenium levels showed a modest causal association with reduced insulin resistance risk (2.2% decrease), but limited evidence emerged for causal effects of other mineral supplements on PCOS, hyperandrogenism, obesity, or insulin resistance.

Regional applicability

The study used GWAS data from European ancestry populations, which has some applicability to United Kingdom populations, though findings may not generalise fully to other ethnic groups. Given the limited overall evidence for causal effects, the implications for United Kingdom dietary supplementation recommendations remain unclear pending further evidence.

Key measures

Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals for associations between genetically predicted micronutrient levels and PCOS, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and obesity; primary analysis used Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW) MR with MR-Egger and Weighted Median sensitivity analyses

Outcomes reported

The study investigated causal associations between genetically predicted levels of selenium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, and omega-3 with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its risk factors (insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, obesity). Results showed a weak causal association between selenium and reduced insulin resistance risk, but limited evidence for other mineral supplements.

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