As Director of Research and President of the Board for the Lipedema Project, I’m pleased to present significant findings from a recent study on selenium deficiency in lipedema and lymphedema patients. This research offers valuable insights that may influence treatment approaches and patient care strategies.
Prevalence of Selenium Deficiency in Lymphatic Disorders
A comprehensive study conducted by German researchers has revealed a high prevalence of selenium deficiency among patients with various lymphatic disorders. The article is called, Selenium Deficiency in Lymphedema and Lipedema—A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study from a Specialized Clinic. It was published in the medical journal Nutrients in April 2020. This observational study aimed to determine the prevalence of selenium deficiency in patients with primary or secondary lymphedema, lipedema, or lipo-lymphedema as well as the possible influence of obesity on the selenium status in this group.
The study, which included 791 patients from 2012–2019 from the Lympho Opt Specialty clinic in Hohenstadt, Germany, found that 47.5% of the total sample had selenium deficiency. Notably, the incidence varied across different conditions. Patients with lipedema showed the lowest incidence at 42% and patients with both lymphedema and lipedema exhibited the highest incidence at 53%.
These findings are particularly relevant given selenium’s crucial role in reducing inflammation and enhancing immune function. For individuals with lymphatic impairment, including some cases of lipedema, selenium deficiency could potentially increase susceptibility to infections.
Obesity as a Compounding Factor
The study uncovered a significant correlation between obesity and selenium deficiency. Obesity was found to increase the risk of selenium deficiency by 1.7 times in most patients. However, it’s important to note that patients with lipedema demonstrated stable selenium levels regardless of their Body Mass Index (BMI).
The researchers hypothesize that chronic inflammation may be a contributing factor to the higher risk of selenium deficiency in lymphedema and co-occurring lymphedema and lipedema. They suggest that while inflammation may be present in lipedema, it might remain stable and not be associated with increased selenium deficiency as the condition progresses. This distinction could have important implications for differential diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Clinical Implications and Potential Treatment Approaches
These findings open new avenues for potential interventions in lipedema and related lymphatic disorders. A 2013 case study reported positive outcomes in a patient with lipedema and lymphedema when treated with a combination of selenium and Butcher’s broom. This, coupled with the current research, suggests that selenium supplementation might be beneficial, particularly for patients who have both of these disorders.
It’s worth noting that many selenium-rich foods are compatible with a ketogenic diet, which some clinicians recommend for lipedema management. These include various meats, fish, and eggs. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that any supplementation should be initiated only under medical supervision and after confirming a selenium deficiency through appropriate testing.
The study does have limitations, including a potential bias towards more severe cases due to the specialized nature of the clinic where data was collected. Additionally, the lack of a control group of healthy adults for selenium level comparison is a consideration for future research.
In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between selenium status, lipedema, lymphedema, and obesity. It underscores the importance of considering micronutrient deficiencies in the management of lymphatic disorders. As we continue to enhance our understanding of these conditions, such findings may lead to more targeted and effective treatment protocols.
For healthcare professionals and patients alike, staying informed about such developments is crucial. We encourage further research in this area to validate these findings and explore their clinical applications.
As always, any changes to treatment plans should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare providers, taking into account individual patient factors and comprehensive clinical assessments.
~Leslyn Keith, OTD, CLT-LANA
Board President, Director of Research | The Lipedema Project