Selenium and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

The 2019 systematic review investigated the relationship between selenium (Se) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including 7 human and 2 in vitro studies. It found that serum Se levels were generally lower in women with PCOS, but the effects of Se supplementation were inconsistent. Only one study showed Se supplementation had protective effects against insulin resistance, and while two studies reported antioxidant effects, the anti-androgenic effects were controversial. Se appeared to lower VLDL and LDL-cholesterol levels in two out of three studies. The review concluded that while Se might attenuate insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in PCOS, the evidence was insufficient to conclusively support the protective effects of Se on PCOS. More research is needed to determine the optimal Se dose and to confirm its potential benefits for PCOS patients.