The association between household pesticide exposure and anemia is modified by dietary selenium intake: a population-based study
Background While the detrimental health effects of occupational pesticide exposure are well-documented, the association between household pesticide use and anemia in the general adult population remains underexplored. Furthermore, the potential for dietary factors, such as selenium, to modulate this relationship is unknown. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from 14,708 adults (≥18 years) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2018. Household pesticide exposure was self-reported. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria (hemoglobin <13 g/dL for men, <12 g/dL for women). Dietary selenium intake was categorized as low (<125 µg/day) or high (≥125 µg/day). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between pesticide exposure and anemia. The modifying effect of selenium was assessed using an interaction term and stratified analyses. Results Of the 14,447 participants included in the final analysis, 1,516 (10.5%) reported household pesticide exposure, and 1,506 (10.4%) met the criteria for anemia. Household pesticide exposure was associated with higher odds of anemia (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.03–1.47). A significant interaction with selenium intake was observed (p = 0.032). Among participants with low selenium intake, pesticide exposure increased anemia risk (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.06–1.61), whereas no association was found in the high selenium group (OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.49–1.11). Conclusion This study provides novel evidence that household pesticide exposure is associated with a modestly increased prevalence of anemia in the general U.S. adult population. Furthermore, our findings suggest that adequate dietary selenium intake may mitigate this hematological risk.
- Research Article
7
- 10.1186/s12877-024-05000-6
- May 10, 2024
- BMC Geriatrics
BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerating disease that may eventually lead to disabling condition and pose a threat to the health of aging populations. This study aimed to explore the association of two potential risk factors, selenium and cadmium, with the prognosis of Parkinson’s disease as well as their interaction effect.MethodsData were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006 to 2015–2016 and National Death Index (NDI). Participants were classified as Parkinson’s patients by self-reported anti-Parkinson medications usage. Cox regression models and restricted cubic spline models were applied to evaluate the association between PD mortality and selenium intake level as well as blood cadmium level. Subgroup analysis was also conducted to explore the interaction between them.ResultsA total of 184 individuals were included. In full adjusted cox regression model (adjusted for age, gender, race, hypertension, pesticide exposure, smoking status and caffeine intake), compared with participants with low selenium intake, those with normal selenium intake level were significantly associated with less risk of death (95%CI: 0.18–0.76, P = 0.005) while no significant association was found between low selenium intake group and high selenium group (95%CI: 0.16–1.20, P = 0.112). Restricted cubic spline model indicated a nonlinear relationship between selenium intake and PD mortality (P for nonlinearity = 0.050). The association between PD mortality and blood cadmium level was not significant (95%CI: 0.19–5.57, P = 0.112). However, the interaction term of selenium intake and blood cadmium showed significance in the cox model (P for interaction = 0.048). Subgroup analysis showed that the significant protective effect of selenium intake existed in populations with high blood cadmium but not in populations with low blood cadmium.ConclusionModerate increase of selenium intake had a protective effect on PD mortality especially in high blood cadmium populations.
- Research Article
5
- 10.3389/fendo.2025.1486790
- Jun 30, 2025
- Frontiers in Endocrinology
BackgroundEndometriosis (EMs) is a common chronic inflammatory disorder with estrogen dependency, and its causes and progression are not fully understood. With limited treatment options available, the dietary impact on EMs incidence has gained research interest. This study explores the link between dietary selenium intake and EMs risk, noting selenium’s key antioxidant role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and its potential to modulate immune responses, offering protective effects.MethodsThe study included 39,352 participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (1999-2006). We excluded individuals with missing data on dietary selenium intake or EMs status, pregnant women, and individuals with missing basic covariate data or suspected erroneous dietary selenium intake values. After these exclusions, a final cohort of 3,876 participants was included for detailed analysis. This cohort was stratified into two groups: 3566 individuals without a diagnosis of endometriosis and 310 individuals diagnosed with EMs. The relationship between EMs and dietary selenium intake was examined using a suite of statistical methodologies, including multivariate logistic regression to control for confounding variables, smooth curve fitting, threshold effect analysis and subgroup analysis.ResultsAfter adjusting for multiple covariates, the multivariate logistic regression model indicated a negative correlation between dietary selenium intake and the risk of developing EMs. In the highest dietary selenium intake group, the adjusted model II revealed a reduction in the risk of EMs by approximately 34.1% (OR = 0.659, 95% CI: 0.449, 0.967). The subgroup analysis revealed a negative relationship between quartiles of selenium intake and the risk of endometriosis in participants aged fifty years and older, in non-Hispanic white participants, in participants with PIR >=1.3 and <3.5, in participants with a high school education level or under, in participants who get married or live with a partner, in participants who have never drunk, and in participants who smoke currently.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a negative correlation between dietary selenium intake and endometriosis risk. However, potential confounding factors may influence this association. Given the limitations of this cross-sectional study, such as reliance on self-reported data, further prospective research is required to confirm causality and explore underlying mechanisms.
- Research Article
14
- 10.1007/s12011-023-03563-w
- Feb 7, 2023
- Biological Trace Element Research
This study assessed the independent association of dietary selenium and zinc intakes with the risk of hypothyroidism and interaction effect between dietary selenium and zinc intakes with the risk of hypothyroidism in Americans. The data of this cross-sectional study was from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2012. The outcome was defined as new-onset hypothyroidism. Weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression and the subgroup analyses based on gender and body mass index (BMI) were conducted to evaluate the association between the dietary selenium and zinc intakes and new-onset hypothyroidism. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. A total of 6402 participants were included with 131 (2.05%) developed a hypothyroidism in this study. Compared with participants with high zinc intake, those with low zinc intake had a higher risk of new-onset hypothyroidism (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.05-2.90). Moreover, we also found a significant interaction between dietary selenium level intake and dietary zinc level intake on new-onset hypothyroidism risk (OR = 5.99, 95% CI: 1.77-20.23). There was an interaction between dietary selenium and zinc intakes on the risk of new-onset hypothyroidism, especially the significant effect for adults with women or overweight. The findings indicated that improving the levels of dietary zinc and selenium intake may be beneficial in preventing of new-onset hypothyroidism.
- Research Article
3
- 10.1097/md.0000000000039573
- Sep 6, 2024
- Medicine
The association between dietary selenium intake and glaucoma remains unclear. Using data from the 2005 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this study aimed to investigate the relationship between glaucoma and dietary selenium intake. The study included subjects aged 40 years or older who participated in the NHANES dietary intake interview and vision health questionnaire. Diagnosis of glaucoma based on self-reporting or fundus imaging. To investigate the relationship between daily selenium consumption and glaucoma, logistic regression analyses were employed. The potential linear relationship was found using smooth curve fitting. Subgroup analyses were also used. We found higher dietary selenium intake was associated with an increased risk of glaucoma (odds ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence intervals,1.07–1.81) on multivariable analysis. A linear association was found between dietary selenium intake and the occurrence of glaucoma in this population (Pnon-linearity = 0.951). Subgroup analyses showed a stable correlation between dietary selenium intake and the occurrence of glaucoma (all P for interaction > .05).This is the first study to look at the connection between dietary selenium intake and glaucoma based on the data from the 2005 to 2008 NHANES. Our findings suggested that dietary selenium intake maybe positively correlated with the risk of glaucoma in adults older than 40 years old. To find out the potential relationship between dietary selenium intake and glaucoma, More longitudinal studies are required.
- Abstract
1
- 10.1093/cdn/nzz044.or11-06-19
- Jun 1, 2019
- Current Developments in Nutrition
Association Between Dietary Selenium Intake and Leukocyte Telomere Length in a Nationally Representative Sample of US Adults (OR11-06-19)
- Research Article
4
- 10.3389/fnut.2024.1396470
- Aug 13, 2024
- Frontiers in nutrition
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is currently a widespread chronic illness, and its development is influenced by nutrients. Selenium plays a crucial role in the intervention and therapy of various chronic illness. In this study, we aimed to investigate the connection between dietary selenium intake and CKD in adults in the United States. We included 6,390 individuals from the datasets of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2015 and 2018. We used multiple logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression, and forest plots to investigate the connection between dietary selenium intake and CKD. After fully adjusting the data of 6,390 individuals from NHANES between 2015 and 2018, 1,523 (23.83%) of the individuals were identified as having chronic kidney disease (CKD). The rates of CKD in participants with average selenium intakes of ≤0.072, 0.072-0.103, 0.103-0.144, and > 0.144 mg/day were 27.53, 25.11, 22.42, and 19.96%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) values for CKD according to dietary selenium intake were 1 (reference), 0.94 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.12, p = 0.466), 0.82 (95% CI:0.68-0.98, p = 0.033), and 0.77 (95% CI:0.63-0.95, p = 0.016) for the four selenium intake levels, respectively, with P trend = 0.007. The dietary selenium intake was negatively associated with the incidence of CKD, after adjusting for other confounding factors. The risk of CKD decreased by 7.7% for every additional 0.1 mg of dietary selenium intake. A higher dietary selenium intake correlates significantly and negatively with the incidence of CKD.
- Research Article
32
- 10.1016/j.nut.2018.12.007
- Dec 21, 2018
- Nutrition
Is selenium intake associated with the presence of depressive symptoms among US adults? Findings from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014.
- Research Article
18
- 10.1007/s40618-022-01987-0
- Dec 14, 2022
- Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
Selenium has been shown to influence the pathological processes and physiological functions of thyroid. Although growing evidence has shown that selenium can improve the treatment of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), there is a need to evaluate the association between dietary selenium intake and HT in a large cross-sectional study. This study explored the association between dietary selenium intake and HT based on the National Health reand Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2007-2012). A total of 8756 of 30,442 participants were included in the study. Dietary selenium intake was the independent variable, while HT was the dependent variable. In addition, the relative importance of the selected variables was determined using the XGBoost model. A smooth curve was constructed based on the fully adjusted model to investigate the potential linear relationship between dietary selenium intake and HT. Smooth curves were also constructed to explore the linear/non-linear relationship between dietary selenium intake and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb)/ thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb). The mean age of the enrolled participants was 44.35years (± 20.92). The risk of HT was significantly reduced by a 35% per-unit increase in dietary selenium intake after fully adjusting for covariates according to the model (log2-transformed data; OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.51, 0.83). The XGBoost model revealed that dietary selenium intake was the most important variable associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Dietary selenium intake (Log2-transformed) was negatively correlated with TPOAb levels [-16.42 (-22.18, -10.65), P < 0.0001], while a non-linear relationship was observed between dietary selenium intake and TgAb with an inflection point of 6.58 (95.67μg, Log2-transformed). Dietary selenium intake is independently and inversely associated with HT risk. Moreover, dietary selenium intake is negatively correlated with TPOAb levels and non-linearly correlated with TGAb levels. Therefore, dietary selenium intake may be a safe and low-cost alternative for the prevention and treatment of HT.
- Research Article
37
- 10.1007/s12011-020-02451-x
- Oct 23, 2020
- Biological Trace Element Research
The effects of dietary selenium intake on specific bowel habits (i.e., constipation or diarrhea) in the general population are not well understood. This study aims to evaluate the associations of selenium intake with the risk of chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea in adults aged ≥ 20years using data from the 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 continuous National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES) (N = 9585). Chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea were defined by Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) types 1 and 2 and BSFS types 6 and 7 as the "usual or most common stool type," respectively, and frequent laxative users were also defined as having chronic constipation. Dietary selenium intake was obtained from 24-h dietary recall. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed controlling for confounding factors (dietary, lifestyle, psychological, and health conditions). No significant associations between selenium intake and chronic diarrhea were found. However, selenium intake was inversely associated with the risk of chronic constipation. Compared with quartile 1, the multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% CI) of chronic constipation across quartiles 2 to 4 of selenium intake were 0.81 (0.64-1.03), 0.74 (0.58-0.95), and 0.54 (0.33-0.89), respectively. This association was significant among men, but not significant among women in subgroup analyses. Generally, there was an inverse association between selenium intake and chronic constipation in adults that modified by sex.
- Research Article
18
- 10.21037/atm-22-3441
- Aug 1, 2022
- Annals of Translational Medicine
BackgroundOsteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) increases the risk of all-cause mortality. Assessments of whether dietary selenium intake is related to bone health are scarce, with few relevant studies limited by a small sample size. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between dietary selenium intake and BMD levels in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database.MethodsWe extracted and aggregated data from 4 cycles of the NHANES [2005–2010, 2013–2014]. Dietary selenium intake was obtained from 24-hour dietary recall interviews. BMD measurement, including the femur, femur neck, trochanter and intertrochanter of the femur, and lumbar spine, was performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The multivariable linear regression model for the association between dietary selenium intake and BMD and the generalized additive model (GAM) for the dose-response relationship were used.ResultsA total of 21,939 participants were included. The mean age was 40.68±22.42 years, and 51.28% were male. In the multivariable adjustment model, participants with the highest quintiles of dietary selenium intake (Q5) were associated with increased BMD levels in the total femur (β=0.014, 95% CI: 0.008–0.020, P<0.001), femur neck (β=0.010, 95% CI: 0.004–0.016, P=0.001), trochanter (β=0.011, 95% CI: 0.005–0.017, P<0.001), intertrochanter (β=0.017, 95% CI: 0.010–0.025, P<0.001), and lumbar spine (β=0.013, 95% CI: 0.005–0.020, P<0.001) compared with those in quintile 1 (Q1). The dose-response relationship showed an inverted U-shape relationship between dietary selenium intake and BMD levels (P for nonlinearity <0.05). Participants tended to have increased levels of BMD as the dietary selenium intake increased when dietary selenium was below the turning point, and then a negative relationship was observed when dietary intake was higher than the turning point.ConclusionsOur study indicated that dietary selenium intake exhibited an inverted U-shape trend in relation to BMD levels, which demonstrates the need for selenium status in the body to be considered when discussing the role of dietary selenium intake in BMD. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying biological mechanism.
- Research Article
9
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0303140
- May 20, 2024
- PloS one
Limited evidence exists regarding the association of selenium with risk of death in individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was designed to investigate the relationship between dietary selenium intake with mortality in a nationally representative sample of United States adults with NAFLD. Dietary selenium intake was assessed in 2274 NAFLD adults younger than 60 years of age from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III through a 24-hour dietary recall. NAFLD was diagnosed by liver ultrasound after excluding liver disease due to other causes. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to assess the effect of dietary selenium intake on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among individuals with NAFLD. At a median follow-up of 27.4 years, 577 deaths occurred in individuals with NAFLD, including 152 cardiovascular deaths. The U-shaped associations were discovered between selenium intake with all-cause (Pnolinear = 0.008) and cardiovascular mortality (Pnolinear < 0.001) in adults with NAFLD after multivariate adjustment, with the lowest risk around selenium intake of 121.7 or 125.9 μg/day, respectively. Selenium intake in the range of 104.1-142.4 μg/day was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality and, otherwise, an increased risk. Selenium intake in the range of 104.1-150.6 μg/day was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular death and, otherwise, an increased risk. Both high and low selenium intake increased the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death in adults younger than 60 years of age with NAFLD, which may help guide dietary adjustments and improve outcomes in adults with NAFLD.
- Research Article
5
- 10.3389/fnut.2024.1449980
- Sep 12, 2024
- Frontiers in Nutrition
BackgroundThe relationship between dietary selenium intake and sarcopenia remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study investigates the associations between dietary selenium intake and sarcopenia among American adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed data from 19,696 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the periods 1999–2006 and 2011–2018. Appendicular muscle mass, assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and adjusted for body mass index, was used as a marker for sarcopenia. Dietary selenium intake was evaluated using the 24-h dietary recall system, and the study accounted for the complex sampling methodology and incorporated dietary sample weights in the analysis.ResultsAmong the 19,696 participants, the prevalence of sarcopenia was found to be 8.46%. When compared to the lowest quintile of dietary selenium intake (Q1, < 80.10 μg/day), the odds ratios for sarcopenia in the second quintile (Q2, 80.10–124.61 μg/day) and the third quintile (Q3, >124.61 μg/day) were 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70–0.92, p = 0.002] and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.51–0.73, p < 0.001), respectively. A negative relationship was observed between dietary selenium intake and sarcopenia (non-linear: p = 0.285). Furthermore, sensitivity analyses revealed a robust association between selenium intake and the prevalence of sarcopenia after further adjusting for blood selenium levels.ConclusionThe results suggest an inverse association between dietary selenium intake and the prevalence of sarcopenia among American adults.
- Research Article
20
- 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113694
- Feb 6, 2021
- International journal of hygiene and environmental health
Household mold, pesticide use, and childhood asthma: A nationwide study in the U.S.
- Research Article
10
- 10.3389/fnut.2022.877917
- Jul 22, 2022
- Frontiers in Nutrition
PurposeTo evaluate the association between dietary selenium intake and the risk of kidney stones in adults.Materials and methodsWe performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from 2007 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Dietary intake information of 30,184 participants was obtained using first 24-h dietary recall interview, and kidney stones were presented by a standard questionnaire. The quartile analysis, stratified analysis and non-linearity analysis were used to estimate the association between dietary selenium intake and kidney stones after an adjustment for potential confounders.ResultsThe multiple logistic regression indicated that the fourth quantile (Q4) of dietary selenium intake had a lower risk of kidney stones than the first quantile (Q1) in Model 3 (OR 0.82, P < 0.05). The stratified analyses indicated there were statistical differences between dietary selenium intake and kidney stones among younger (age < 50) (OR 0.65, P < 0.01), male (OR 0.73, P < 0.01) and overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25.0) (OR 0.80, P < 0.05) individuals in Model 3. The non-linear relationship was founded between dietary selenium intake and kidney stones in all participants, younger, male and overweight/obese individuals after adjusting for confounding factors.ConclusionOur study revealed an inverse relation between the level of dietary selenium intake and the risk of kidney stones for the United States population, especially for younger (age < 50), male and overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25.0) individuals. The study provides preliminary guidance on dietary selenium intake for the prevention of kidney stones in different populations. Further studies are required to confirm our findings and clarified the biological mechanisms.
- Research Article
19
- 10.3389/fnut.2022.1002489
- Oct 10, 2022
- Frontiers in Nutrition
Although numerous studies have explored the relationship between selenium intake and thyroid diseases, few epidemiological studies have investigated the association between selenium intake and thyroid hormones. Therefore, we conducted this analysis to investigate the association between dietary selenium intake and thyroid hormones. Our sample included 5,575 adults (age ≥ 20) years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012. Thyroid hormones, including total triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4), free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), were detected. Multivariable linear regression models showed that log10-transformed selenium intake (LogSe) was negatively correlated with TT4 (β = −0.383, 95% CI: −0.695, −0.070) and TT4/TT3 (β = −0.003, 95% CI: −0.006, −0.0004) in U.S. adults. Besides, additional stratified analyses by sex demonstrated that LogSe was negatively associated with TT4 (β = −0.007, 95% CI: −0.013, −0.001) and TT4/TT3 (β = −0.664, 95% CI: −1.182, −0.146) and positively associated with FT4/TT4 (β = 0.031, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.059) in male adults. Meanwhile, subgroup analysis by iodine status showed that LogSe was negatively associated with TT4 (β = −0.006, 95% CI: −0.011, −0.002), FT4/FT3 (β = −0.011, 95% CI: −0.023, −0.00002) and TT4/TT3 (β = −0.456, 95% CI: −0.886, −0.026) in iodine sufficiency but not in iodine deficiency adults. Our results demonstrated that the increased dietary selenium intake was negatively correlated with TT4 and TT4/TT3 in U.S. adults. Furthermore, the association between dietary selenium intake and thyroid hormones was more pronounced in males and iodine sufficiency adults.