If selenium deficiency is confirmed in women suffering from preeclampsia and this continues to be linked with GPx inadequacy, adequately powered selenium supplementation trials in pregnancy may be of benefit in prevention or amelioration of preeclampsia.
Some small studies have attempted to assess the influence of selenium supplementation on the incidence of pregnancy related hypertensive disorders. Beijing has a high incidence of both selenium deficiency and pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). One hundred women with known risk factors for PIH were randomized to selenium (100g/d) or placebo for 6-8 weeks during late pregnancy. Maternal and umbilical serum selenium rose significantly, and the incidence of PIH reportedly decreased