Synergistic Roles of Selenium and Vitamin D in Modulating Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Health

Abstract

Objective: Selenium (Se) and vitamin D are critical micronutrients linked to metabolic health and insulin sensitivity. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between Se deficiency and insulin resistance (IR) in patients who were admitted for a periodic health examination, and we also aimed to explore the synergistic role of vitamin D and Se in relation to IR. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the association of serum Se levels, vitamin D, and IR in 161 adult patients attending periodic health examinations at the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics of Bezmialem Vak & imath;f University Hospital. Serum Se levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and vitamin D levels were measured by liquid chromatography-massspectrometry. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS (R) software (version 22). Statistical significance was set at p = 2.5)], with significantly higher prevalence among those with Se deficiency (<63 pg/L, p=0.016). Patients with Se deficiency had lower vitamin D levels (p=0.001) and higher HOMA-IR values (p=0.006). Conclusion: The findings suggest a synergistic association between Se and vitamin D deficiencies and impaired insulin sensitivity and altered metabolic markers. This study highlights the potential importance of Se and vitamin D in relation to IR and metabolic health. Our results indicate that addressing deficiencies in these micronutrients may be relevant for insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.