Selenium & Probiotics for PCOS: Does it Help?

randomized-controlled-trial PMID: 30217229

Quick Summary: A study found that taking selenium and probiotics together may improve mental health, hormone levels, and inflammation in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This combination could help with symptoms like depression, high testosterone, and unwanted hair growth.

Selenium & PCOS: What The Research Found

This research suggests that combining selenium and probiotics could be beneficial for women with PCOS. The study showed that this combo may:

Boost Mood: Improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Balance Hormones: Lower levels of testosterone, which can cause unwanted hair growth (hirsutism).

Reduce Inflammation: Decrease inflammation in the body.

Increase Antioxidants: Help the body fight off damage from free radicals.

Study Details

Who was studied: 60 women aged 18-40 with PCOS.

How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks (about 3 months).

What they took: One group took a daily capsule containing:

Probiotics (good bacteria)
800 mcg of selenium
The other group took a placebo (a dummy pill).

What This Means For You

If you have PCOS, this research suggests that adding selenium and probiotics to your routine might help manage some of your symptoms. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements. They can help you determine the right dosage and monitor for any potential side effects.

Mental Health: If you struggle with mood swings, depression, or anxiety related to PCOS, this combination could potentially offer some relief.

Hormonal Imbalance: If you experience symptoms like unwanted hair growth, this could help balance your hormones.

Overall Health: Selenium and probiotics may help reduce inflammation and boost your body's natural defenses.

Study Limitations

Small Study: The study only included 60 women, so more research is needed.

Specific Group: The results may not apply to all women with PCOS.

Short-Term: The study only looked at the effects for 3 months.

High Selenium Dose: The selenium dose used was high, so it's important to talk to your doctor before taking this amount.

Key Findings

The study found that co-supplementation with probiotics and selenium in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) significantly improved mental health parameters (depression, anxiety, stress), reduced serum total testosterone and hirsutism scores, and enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomarkers.

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 60 women aged 18–40 with PCOS. Participants were divided into two groups: one received daily probiotic (8 × 10⁹ CFU) and selenium (800 μg) co-supplementation, while the other received a placebo for 12 weeks.

Dosage & Administration

The intervention group consumed one capsule daily containing:
- Probiotic: Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, and Bifidobacterium bifidum (total 8 × 10⁹ CFU).
- Selenium: 800 μg of elemental selenium (as sodium selenite).
Placebo capsules contained starch and matched in appearance. Supplements were taken for 12 weeks.

Results & Efficacy

Mental Health:
Beck Depression Inventory: β -0.76 (95% CI: -1.26, -0.26; P=0.003).
General Health Questionnaire: β -1.15 (95% CI: -1.97, -0.32; P=0.007).
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale: β -1.49 (95% CI: -2.59, -0.39; P=0.009).
Hormonal/Physical:
Total testosterone: β -0.26 ng/mL (95% CI: -0.51, -0.02; P=0.03).
Hirsutism score: β -0.43 (95% CI: -0.74, -0.11; P=0.008).
Inflammatory/Oxidative Stress:
hs-CRP: β -0.58 mg/L (95% CI: -0.97, -0.19; P=0.004).
MDA: β -0.29 μmol/L (95% CI: -0.56, -0.02; P=0.03).
TAC: β +84.76 mmol/L (95% CI: +48.08, +121.44; P<0.001).
GSH: β +26.78 μmol/L (95% CI: +4.33, +49.23; P=0.02).

All outcomes were statistically significant (P<0.05), with moderate to large effect sizes observed for mental health and antioxidant measures.

Limitations

Sample Size: Small cohort (n=60) limits generalizability.
Population Specificity: Only women aged 18–40 with PCOS were studied; results may not apply to other demographics.
Short Duration: 12-week intervention period does not address long-term efficacy or safety.
Mechanistic Gaps: The study did not explore the individual contributions of probiotics vs. selenium or their interaction mechanisms.
Self-Reported Metrics: Mental health assessments relied on subjective questionnaires, which may introduce bias.

Clinical Relevance

For women with PCOS, this combination may offer a safe, evidence-based approach to managing depression, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. However, supplementation should be guided by healthcare professionals, as selenium doses (800 μg/day) exceed typical recommendations (55 μg/day) and require monitoring for toxicity. The findings support further research into synergistic probiotic-selenium interventions for PCOS-related comorbidities.

Source: PubMed | Trial Registration: IRCT20170513033941N22