Abstract
BackgroundThe relationship between selenium (Se) and insulin resistance remains unclear. We aim to explore the association between toenail Se levels and insulin resistance through a cross-sectional study comprising Chinese vegetarians and matched omnivores.MethodsIn this study, we enrolled 220 vegetarians and 220 omnivores matched by age and sex from Shanghai. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method was used to measure toenail Se levels. Dietary Se intakes were assessed by the 24-h dietary recall method. Blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose level and fasting insulin concentrations. Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and insulin secretion index (HOMA-B) were calculated to evaluate insulin resistance. Multi-linear regression analysis was performed to determine the association between toenail Se levels and insulin resistance, after adjusting for confounders.ResultsThe mean ages of vegetarians (76 vegans, 144 lacto-ovo-vegetarians) and omnivores were 35.96 ± 8.73 years and 35.23 ± 8.93 years, respectively. Of these, 180 (81.8%) were female and 40 (18.2%) were male. No association was found between toenail Se levels and insulin resistance in vegetarians. However, the concentration of Se in toenails was positively correlated with fasting insulin levels (β = 1.030, 95%CI: 0.393 to 1.667) and HOMA-IR (β = 0.245, 95%CI: 0.098 to 0.392) in omnivores, after multivariate adjustment for age, sex, BMI, alcohol consumption, income, and daily dietary intakes (energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber). This positive relationship persisted only in omnivores whose dietary Se intake was above 60 μg/d.ConclusionsHigher toenail Se levels were associated with increased insulin resistance risk in Chinese omnivores whose dietary Se intake was above 60 μg/d, but not in vegetarians. These findings create awareness on the association of dietary Se intake above 60 μg/d with the risk of insulin resistance.
Highlights
The relationship between selenium (Se) and insulin resistance remains unclear
On the basis of our previous findings, we aim to investigate the association between toenail Se levels and insulin resistance in a cross-sectional study on Chinese vegetarians and matched omnivores
The level of Fasting blood glucose (FG), fasting insulin (FI), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-IR, and dietary Se intake were significantly lower in vegetarians than in omnivores, while the number of participants under recommended nutrient intake Se level were higher in vegetarians than in omnivores (P < 0·05)
Summary
We aim to explore the association between toenail Se levels and insulin resistance through a cross-sectional study comprising Chinese vegetarians and matched omnivores. A systematic study in Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found a remarkable inverse association between higher adherence to the plantbased dietary pattern and the risk of T2DM (relative risk, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71–0.84) in comparison to poorer adherence [4]. Our previous research revealed that vegetarians have higher insulin sensitivity and lower fasting insulin level in comparison with the matched omnivores [7]. This may be ascribed to the consumption of plant foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and lower consumptions of red and processed meat [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
