Numerous endogenous functions related to antioxidant processes, reproduction, and thyroid metabolism, as well as actions related to glycemic control, have been attributed to selenium. This study aimed to evaluate whether dietary selenium consumption is associated with variables of glycemic control in a sample of young Brazilian adults with Normal-Weight Obesity (NWO) syndrome. This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 270 individuals with adequate body weight and excess body fat, who had their body composition assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Socioeconomic, health, and lifestyle questionnaires and three 24-h food records were applied. Glycemic control markers were also evaluated. The prevalence of inadequate selenium intake was analyzed by the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-point method. The prevalence of disturbances in glycemic control markers according to selenium consumption was compared by either the chi-square or the Fisher's exact test, with individuals classified according to the EAR values for selenium. The associations were evaluated by multiple linear regressions, using the backward strategy. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 23.7 ± 3.3 years, and the mean ± SD daily selenium intake was 59.2 ± 26.4 μg. The overall prevalence of inadequate selenium intake was 59.2%. Individuals with selenium intakes below the EAR (≤45 μg/day) showed higher concentrations of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (P = 0.002) and a higher prevalence of disturbances in HbA1c than those with selenium intakes above the EAR (>45 μg/day) (P = 0.001). Dietary selenium intake was directly associated with female sex (β = 19.95, 95% CI 5.00 to 34.89; P = 0.001) and weight (β = 6.69, 95% CI 0.56 to 12.81; P = 0.010), and inversely associated with the percentage of total body fat (β = −0.80, 95% CI −1.56 to −0,04; P = 0.010) and HbA1c (β = −7.41, 95% CI −13.06 to −1.75; P = 0.010). Considering the noticeable young age of the individuals evaluated and the high frequency of disturbances in HbA1c concentrations in those with selenium consumption below the recommendation, it is suggested that adequate dietary intake or supplementation of this micronutrient should be guaranteed to prevent future possible complications associated with glycemic control disturbances.

Context Globally, depression affects more than 322 million people. Studies exploring the relationship between diet and depression have revealed the benefits of certain dietary patterns and micronutrients in attenuating the symptoms of this disorder. Among these micronutrients, selenium stands out because of its multifaceted role in the brain. Objective To assess the impact of selenium intake and status on symptoms of depression. Data Sources A systematic search was performed in databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and gray literature (on April 6, 2021, updated on January 28, 2022), without restrictions of date, language, or study type. Data Extraction Studies of adults (18–60 y of age) with depression or depressive symptoms were included. Data on selenium biomarkers and/or intake were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Data Analysis Of the 10 studies included, 2 were cohorts (n = 13 983 and 3735), 3 were cross-sectional (n = 736, 7725, and 200), 1 was case-control (n = 495), and 4 were randomized controlled trials (n = 30, 11, 38, and 63). Several studies have indicated that low selenium intake or concentration may be associated with symptoms of depression. However, this association was inconsistent across the studies included in this systematic review; due to the high heterogeneity, it was not possible to perform meta-analyses. The main contributing factors to the high heterogeneity include the different methodological designs, methods for diagnosing depression, selenium assessment, and clinical conditions. Conclusion Overall, there is insufficient evidence to support a positive role of selenium status in depression. Studies with more accurate methods and adequate assessment of selenium status are needed to better understand the role of this nutrient in depression. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021220683.

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The normal-weight obesity (NWO) is highly associated with an increased risk for chronic non-communicable diseases and intricately linked to diet quality. Therefore, we assessed the consumption of ultra-processed and non-ultraprocessed foods of 224 Brazilian adults with NWO (n 159) and without NWO (n 65, non-NWO) in a cross-sectional study. For that, three dietary recalls were applied and categorised according to the NOVA classification. Individuals with NWO showed lower energy intake from the ‘fresh or minimally processed food’ group, specifically for rice (P = 0⋅037), beans (P = 0⋅002) and fruits (P = 0⋅026), as well as lower consumption of dietary fibre (P < 0⋅05) compared with non-NWO subjects. Total consumption of ultra-processed foods did not differ between groups; however, individuals with NWO had a higher energy intake from processed meats compared with the non-NWO group (54⋅1 ± 73⋅5 × 32⋅5 ± 50⋅8 kcal; P = 0⋅023). Energy and added sugar from ultra-processed foods (OR 1⋅02, CI 95 % 1⋅00–1⋅04, P = 0⋅0100) and total fat from non-ultra-processed foods (OR 1⋅09, CI 95 % 1⋅01–1⋅18; P = 0⋅0100) were associated with the presence of NWO. In conclusion, non-NWO individuals consumed more non-ultra-processed foods compared with the NWO group. Overall, there were no differences in the consumption of ultra-processed foods between the two groups. Important associations between food compounds and the presence of NWO were observed, emphasising the importance of fresh and minimally processed foods as the basis of the diet.