Study findings from researchers at the University of Buffalo have found that selenium does not offer protection against cardiovascular disease, despite its antioxidant and chemo-preventive properties. The study, conducted between 1983 and 1996, was based on over 1000 participants. At the beginning of the study, all participants were free of cardiovascular disease. During the study period, participants were randomly assigned to take a placebo or 200 micrograms of selenium on a daily basis. Participants provided bi-annual blood samples and were asked to report any new illnesses or medications. At the end of the study period, researchers found no association between selenium supplementation and any of the endpoints studied, including coronary heart disease, stroke or death from cardiovascular disease. Several antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, that were thought to play a role in preventing heart disease based on observational studies have turned out not to be protective in randomized clinical trials, and selenium now has joined this group. These latest findings have been published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
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