Attenuating Plasma Cytokines Response After High-Intensity Exercise Through Selenium Supplementation

High-intensity exercise are associated with muscle injury and an acute inflammatory response characterized by an increase in cytokines. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is one of the proinflammatory cytokines that is most highly elevated by high-intensity exercise, which in turn reduces muscle strength, limits range of motion, and causes general discomfort, affecting performance and training programs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Selenium supplementation on IL-6 and CRP post high-intensity exercise. This research used an experimental pre-post control group design with 36 male students from the sports science department of Universitas Negeri Surabaya. Participants were randomly assigned to either a selenium supplementation group (n=18) or a placebo group (n=18) and instructed to consume one capsule daily for 21 days in a double-blind manner. Following a 21-day supplementation period, on the 22nd day, participants performed a 100 Drop Jump (DJ) exercise protocol to induce cytokines response. IL-6 and CRP plasma concentration were assessed immediately after, 24 hr and 48 hr after exercise. This study's results demonstrated that during the 24 to 48-hour period following high-intensity exercise, both groups experienced a reduction IL-6 and CRP plasma concentration compared to immediately after. The study's findings indicated that the group supplemented with selenium exhibited a significantly more pronounced decrease in IL-6 with P=0.000 (<0.05) and CRP plasma concentration with P=0.006 (<0.05) compared to the placebo group. In conclusions, Selenium supplementation may lower inflammatory response following high-intensity exercise, as it effectively decreases IL-6 and CRP plasma concentration the bloodstream.