Safety and Efficacy of Selenium on Recovery of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Various micronutrients have been used to manage patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, data on the potential benefits of selenium for COVID-19 patients are scarce. Objectives: This study was conducted to monitor the efficacy and safety of selenium supplementation in COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, Iran, in 2021. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 100 COVID-19 cases were included and divided into two groups: The selenium group (n = 50) was prescribed the hospital treatment protocol as well as selenium supplementation in a daily dose of 200 µg, and the control group (n = 50) that received only the hospital treatment protocol. Laboratory tests, including platelet, white blood count (WBC), hemoglobin, ferritin, c-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), were performed before the trial and on the 14th day. Two groups were compared based on laboratory findings, duration of hospitalization, and dependency on mechanical ventilation. Results: In the selenium group, platelets, WBC, and hemoglobin rose remarkably compared to their pre-treatment concentrations (P < 0.05), while a considerable drop was detected in levels of ESR, CRP, and ferritin (P < 0.05). The mean length of stay in the selenium and control groups was 9.27 ± 13.50 and 11.45 ± 14.33 days, respectively (P = 0.401). The mean mechanical ventilation dependency days in the selenium and control groups were 9.65 ± 11.71 and 7.45 ± 4.93, respectively, implying no statistically significant difference (P = 0.307). Conclusions: Selenium supplement may reduce levels of inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, further trials are required to monitor its clinical effectiveness.