Effectiveness of Selenium Supplement Combined with Exercise on Ankle Brachial Index and Bone Mineral Density

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element involved in fatty acid metabolism and bone formation. Arterial disease resulting from excessive fat accumulation and low bone mineral density (BMD) are prevalent health concerns in the general population. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Se supplementation combined with exercise on the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) and BMD. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 30) or an intervention group (n = 30). Both groups followed a structured exercise program for 12 weeks. In addition to the exercise regimen, participants in the intervention group received Se supplementation in the form of selenomethionine (200 µg per capsule daily) for the same duration, while the control group received no supplementation. Data on ABI, BMD, and body composition were collected from all participants at baseline and at the end of the study. At the study endpoint, participants in the intervention group showed significantly higher right and left ABI scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, BMD measurements at the wrist and ankle were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, significant positive correlations were observed between Se intake and both ABI (left ABI: r = 0.30) and BMD improvements (wrist: r = 0.47; ankle: r = 0.31; p < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings suggest that Se supplementation combined with exercise is more effective in improving ABI and BMD than exercise alone.