The effects of a novel combination of selenium and probiotic on weight loss, glycemic control and markers of cardio-metabolic risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Synergistic approach of selenium and probiotic co-supplementation may improve clinical symptoms of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by improving their metabolic profiles. This investigation was carried out to evaluate the effects of selenium and probiotic co-supplementation on weight loss, glycemic control and markers of cardio-metabolic risk in women with PCOS. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 women with PCOS. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive 200 µg/day selenium plus 8 × 10 9  CFU/day probiotic supplements (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Compared with the placebo, selenium and probiotic co-supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in weight (−0.7 ± 0.5 vs. +0.1 ± 1.1 kg), serum insulin levels (−2.8 ± 3.5 vs. +0.5 ± 3.9 µIU/mL) and homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (−0.6 ± 0.8 vs. +0.1 ± 0.9), and a significant increase in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01 ± 0.02 vs. +0.001 ± 0.02). In addition, selenium and probiotic co-supplementation significantly decreased serum triglycerides (−12.1 ± 29.6 vs. +3.1 ± 12.2 mg/dL), total- (−17.9 ± 28.5 vs. +0.1 ± 28.8 mg/dL), LDL- (−14.7 ± 24.9 vs. +1.5 ± 26.6 mg/dL) and total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (−0.3 ± 0.8 vs. +0.2 ± 0.8) compared with the placebo. Selenium and probiotic co-supplementation for 12 weeks to PCOS women had beneficial effects on weight loss and markers of cardio-metabolic risk.