The Claim

Selenium administration at or above 200 µg/day decreases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations and increases triglyceride concentrations in adults, resulting in a detrimental shift in blood lipid profiles.

Source: Effects of Selenium Administration on Blood Lipids: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Experimental Human Studies.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
45score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Taking selenium supplements at 200 micrograms per day or more lowers HDL and LDL cholesterol while raising triglyceride levels in adults.

See the scientific wording

Selenium administration at or above 200 µg/day decreases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol while increasing triglyceride levels in adults, indicating a detrimental shift in blood lipid profiles that may elevate cardiovascular risk.

Why this might work

High doses of selenium reduce the liver's production of cholesterol-carrying particles and cause the liver to release more fat into the blood, lowering good and bad cholesterol while raising triglycerides.

Suggested mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Effects of Selenium Administration on Blood Lipids: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Experimental Human Studies.

    Taking selenium supplements at 200 micrograms or more a day lowers your 'good' cholesterol, raises your triglycerides, and also lowers your 'bad' cholesterol — but since the good cholesterol drop and triglyceride rise are risky for your heart, it’s still bad news overall.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.