Summary
This study investigates the relationship between selenium deficiency and the risk of mortality from COVID-19, published in the journal Nutrients in 2020. Drawing on selenium biomarker data and COVID-19 outcome data, the authors likely demonstrate a statistically significant association between low selenium status and increased mortality, suggesting that micronutrient adequacy may influence immune response and disease severity. The findings contribute to a growing body of evidence linking trace element nutrition to infectious disease outcomes.
UK applicability
The UK has historically low soil selenium levels and consequently lower dietary selenium intake compared to North America, making these findings potentially relevant to UK public health and dietary guidance, particularly in the context of vulnerable populations and future pandemic preparedness.
Key measures
Selenium status (serum/plasma selenium concentration or urinary selenium); COVID-19 case fatality rate; mortality risk estimates
Outcomes reported
The study examined the association between selenium status and mortality risk in COVID-19 patients, likely reporting case fatality rates or mortality outcomes in relation to selenium biomarkers or regional selenium intake data.
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