Selenium is a trace mineral essential for normal body function. The amount of selenium in your body may aggravate or alleviate your psoriasis symptoms. However, despite preliminary evidence that an association exists between psoriasis and selenium, further scientific studies have yet to confirm or debunk this hypothesis. Psoriasis is a very common, non-contagious, dermatological condition that presents as skin redness, irritation and flaky patches of skin. If you have psoriasis, talk with your physician about natural and pharmaceutical treatments before self-medicating with selenium supplements.
Dietary Intake
Dietary intake of selenium could be a contributing factor in the severity of psoriasis, according to a study from the Bialystok Academy of Medicine in Poland and published in the July 1999 issue of the Polish medical journal, “Pol Merkuriusz Lek.” Researchers examined 59 patients with psoriasis -- 30 with psoriasis for less than 10 months and 29 with psoriasis for at least three years. Females with psoriasis for 10 months or less and men with long-lasting psoriasis had the lowest levels of selenium. The recommended dietary intake for selenium is 55 micrograms per day for those ages 15 and older.
Supplements
Supplementation with selenium does not reduce the severity of psoriasis, according to a study from Royal South Hants Hospital in the United Kingdom and published in the January 1989 issue of the “Annals of Clinical Biochemistry.” In the 12-week study, 69 subjects received 600 micrograms of selenium-enriched yeast with or without 600 IU of vitamin E. Neither the selenium nor the vitamin E improved psoriasis symptoms.
Chronic Psoriasis
Selenium levels are related to the severity of psoriasis only in patients suffering from this health condition for more than three years, according to a study from Bialystok Medical Academy in Poland and published in the April 2003 issue of the journal “Nutrition.” Researchers examined 60 patients; 30 with psoriasis for less than 10 months and 30 with psoriasis for more than three years. Researchers found a depressed level of selenium is related to the severity of psoriasis symptoms, but only in patients with psoriasis for more than three years.
Precautions
Selenium supplements have the potential to adversely interact with various medications, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Combining selenium with blood thinners, such as aspirin and heparin, can increase your risk of bleeding. Taking selenium supplements with barbiturates extends the duration of the drugs sedative effects. Selenium can reduce the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering medications and statin drugs. Consult your physician before taking selenium supplements to avoid complications.
References
- "Pol Merkuriusz Lek"; Selenium Nutritional Status and the Course Of Psoriasis; May 1999
- "Nutrition"; Selenium Status In Psoriasis and Its Relations To the Duration and Severity Of the Disease; A.B. Serwin, et al.; April 2003
- “Annals of Clinical Biochemistry"; The Effect of Supplementation of Vitamin E in Psoriasis; G.M. Fairris, et al.; January 1989
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Selenium; May 2009
- Medline Plus; Psoriasis; November 2010
