Decreased Concentration of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF-23) as a Result of Supplementation with Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 in an Elderly Swedish Population: A Sub-Analysis

Cells. 2022 Feb 1;11(3):509. doi: 10.3390/cells11030509.

Abstract

There is a reduced intake of selenium in many countries due to low levels of selenium in the soil. This results in an increased cardiovascular risk. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is active mainly in the metabolism of vitamin D and phosphorus. However, there are indications that FGF-23 may also provide information both on cardiovascular function and prognosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 on the FGF-23 concentration in an elderly population with low concentrations of both selenium and coenzyme Q10 and in which the supplementation improved cardiac function and mortality. In a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial, FGF-23 was measured in 219 individuals at the start and after 48 months. Selenium yeast (200 µg/day) and coenzyme Q10 (200 mg/day) (n = 118) or placebo (n = 101) were given as a dietary supplement. The intervention time was 48 months. t-Tests, repeated measures of variance, and ANCOVA analyses were used to evaluate the differences in FGF-23 concentration. Following supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10, a significantly lower level of FGF-23 could be seen (p = 0.01). Applying 10 years of follow-up, those who later died a cardiovascular death had a significantly higher FGF-23 concentration after 48 months compared with those who survived (p = 0.036), and a significantly lower FGF-23 concentration could be seen in those with a normal renal function compared to those with an impaired renal function (p = 0.027). Supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 to an elderly community-living population low in both substances prevented an increase of FGF-23 and also provided a reduced cardiovascular risk.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01443780.

Keywords: FGF-23; coenzyme Q10; elderly; intervention; selenium.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor-23
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Selenium* / pharmacology
  • Sweden / epidemiology
  • Ubiquinone

Substances

  • Ubiquinone
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor-23
  • Selenium

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01443780