Debilitating joint pain, bouts of inflammation, stiffness and fatigue are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects 1.3 million Americans, the Arthritis Foundation reports. While medication may slow the progression of the chronic disease, scientists believe selenium may also play a role in the prevention and treatment of the condition. Early research suggests selenium may affect your risk of developing the disease and may help treat symptoms. But experts warn that additional research is necessary to draw definitive conclusions.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system attacks the synovium, the membrane lining your joints. In response, the lining thickens and fluid accumulates in the joints, causing pain, stiffness and swelling. While doctors are not sure why this occurs, certain factors may increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. These include smoking, sex, age and a family history of the condition. Women are three times more likely to develop the condition than men and rheumatoid arthritis often develops between the ages of 30 and 60, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Treatment for the disorder includes a combination of medications to relieve and reduce symptoms.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral with antioxidant properties that help protect cells from free radicals. Free radicals are toxic byproducts of normal cell metabolism that cause damage to DNA and may lead to diseases such as cancer or heart disease. The mineral is also responsible for proper functioning of the thyroid and immune systems. Good sources of selenium include fish, shellfish, Brazil nuts, whole grains, poultry, liver, wheat germ and brown rice.
Low Selenium Levels
Scientific research shows people with rheumatoid arthritis have low levels of selenium. While experts are unclear if low selenium levels are a result or cause of the condition, a study in the August 2010 issue of "Biological Trace Elements Research" by Suleyman Onal and colleagues suggest it is part of the body's defense mechanism. The authors found lower selenium levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were treated with arthritis medication compared with people without the condition. In people without rheumatoid arthritis or a family history of the condition, a study by Paul Knekt and colleagues in a July 2000 issue of the journal "Epidemiology" suggests low levels of the mineral may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. However, scientific findings supporting the link are conflicting. Further research is necessary to support the use of selenium supplements.
Selenium Supplementation
Preliminary studies suggest that a Mediterranean diet rich in antioxidants, including selenium, may reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, a review of scientific studies by Geir Smedslund and colleagues in the May 2010 issue of the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" suggest the effects of the Mediterranean diet for rheumatoid arthritis remain uncertain given a lack of large-scale, quality studies on the topic. Similarly, an examination of scientific studies by P.H. Canter and colleagues in the August 2007 issue of "Rheumatology" found no conclusive evidence that suggests selenium, or a product containing the mineral, is effective in arthritis treatment.
Warning
Taking more than recommended amounts of selenium can have harmful effects, including vomiting, hair loss and diarrhea. Speak to your doctor if you are considering taking selenium supplements.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- "Biological Trace Elements Research"; Effects of Different Medical Treatments on Serum Copper, Selenium and Zinc Levels in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis; Suleyman Onal, et al.; August 2010
- "Epidemiology"; Serum Selenium, Serum Alpha-Tocopherol and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis; Paul Knekt, et al.; July 2000
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Effectiveness and Safety of Dietary Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials; Geir Smedslund; May 2010
- "Rheumatology"; The Antioxidant Vitamins A,C, E and Selenium in the Treatment of Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials; P.H. Canter, et al.; August 2007
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Selenium
