Effect of selenium supplement on quality of life in hemodialysis patients

Chronic renal failure produces physical and psychological problems in patients who are receiving hemodialysis, because of reducing the life standards. Selenium deficiency is common in hemodialysis patients. Selenium has antioxidant and cardio-protective effects, which can raise the quality of life in hemodialysis patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of selenium supplement on quality of life in hemodialysis patients.

In this one-blinded clinical trial, 80 hemodialysis patients were selected by random systematic sampling and divided into experimental and control groups. Experimental group received 200 micrograms of selenium supplement in the form of selenium yeast and control group received a placebo capsule every day for three months. Quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) specific to hemodialysis patients was completed for every patient at the beginning and at the end of the intervention.

quality of life improved in the group receiving selenium supplements, both in the physical and mental aspects (P<0.05), while no significant changes were seen in the control group. In comparing two groups after three months, significant differences were seen in the aspects of general health, social functioning and degree of limitations due to emotional problems and mental health.

Selenium has a significant effect on improving quality of life in hemodialysis patients and in this way it can affect general health in these patients. This study, for the first time, has taken into consideration the potential effects of selenium supplement on improving the quality of life in hemodialysis patients.