Association between selenium intake and cognitive function among older adults in the US: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2011–2014

Abstract

Cognitive decline occurs commonly as people age. Despite the complexity of cellular mechanisms, oxidative stress is a critical contributor to age-associated cognitive impairment. Selenium plays an important role in antioxidant defense systems. The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation between selenium intake and cognitive function among older adults. The participants were individuals ≥65 years old (n=1681) who participated in the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a country-wide cross-sectional survey. Dietary selenium intake and adequacy were evaluated with 2 d of 24-h recalls and the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method, respectively. Cognitive function was assessed with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) score, which was significantly higher when selenium intake was adequate. After adjusting for energy intake, the association was no longer significant. Inadequate intake of selenium is rare in the US and dependent on caloric intake in older adults.

Association between selenium intake and cognitive function among older adults in the US: a critical analysis

“…We read with pleasure the article by Ferdous et al , ( 1 ) titled ‘Association between selenium intake and cognitive function among older adults in the US: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2011–2014’ and would like to offer additional commentary on the extrapolated conclusions by assessing the impact of medications, diet, and viral infections on factors affecting selenium's bioavailability on cognitive function among older adults in the US. We hope these perspectives may provide insight that could be studied in future research endeavours.…”

Response to the Letter to the Editor on the association between selenium intake and cognitive function among older adults in the US: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2011–2014

“…We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the letter to the editor by Patel et al regarding our recently published article on the ‘Association between Selenium Intake and Cognitive Function among Older Adults in the US: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2011–2014’. ( 1 ) We are grateful to the authors for taking an interest in our work and providing constructive feedback.…”

“…Our main goal in the currently published article ( 1 ) was to provide an association of selenium intake on cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults. From our analyses, we found the prevalence of inadequate selenium intake was roughly 5 %.…”