Dietary Intake of Selenium in Relation to Pubertal Development in Mexican Children
July 2019
in “
Nutrients
”
TLDR Low selenium intake may delay puberty in boys but not in girls.
The study investigated the relationship between dietary selenium intake and pubertal development in 519 Mexican children aged 10-18 years. It found that boys with selenium intake below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) had significantly lower odds of advanced pubic hair growth, genital development, and matured testicular volume compared to those with adequate selenium intake. No significant associations were found in girls. The findings suggested that inadequate selenium consumption might delay pubertal development in boys, indicating a potential sex-specific effect. Further research with larger sample sizes and selenium biomarkers was recommended to confirm these results.