Summary
This 2000 Lancet review by Rayman synthesises the evidence for selenium's essential role in human health, examining its structural and enzymic functions as a selenoprotein constituent and its implications for chronic disease prevention. The paper addresses mechanistic pathways—particularly antioxidant and immune functions—and epidemiological associations with cancer, thyroid health, reproductive outcomes, and mood, whilst noting concerning trends of declining selenium status in parts of Europe including the United Kingdom.
Regional applicability
The review explicitly contextualises declining selenium status in European countries, making it directly relevant to United Kingdom conditions and nutritional public health. The findings support consideration of dietary selenium adequacy as a public health concern in the UK, where soil selenium levels and dietary intake may be suboptimal.
Key measures
Selenium status, dietary intake, selenoprotein function, thyroid hormone metabolism, immune function markers, cancer incidence, cardiovascular disease risk, HIV progression, sperm motility, mood states
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on selenium's biological roles in human health, including its function in selenoprotein synthesis, antioxidant defence, thyroid hormone production, immune function, and associations with chronic disease risk including cancer, cardiovascular disease, HIV progression, reproductive health, and mood disorders.
Topic tags
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