A new study suggests that higher dietary intake of selenium may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among American adults.
Analyzing data from over 39,000 participants in the NHANES (2003–2018), researchers found that those with moderate selenium intake had a 16% lower risk of CVD compared to those with the lowest intake. Overall, CVD prevalence decreased as selenium intake increased.
The protective link held across most subgroups, but was especially notable in individuals with hypertension, where selenium’s effect on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was more pronounced.
The study highlights a nonlinear relationship between selenium and CVD, suggesting that balanced intake may support heart health.
