Effect of vitamin E and selenium supplementation on oxidative stress status in pulmonary tuberculosis patients

Abstract

Background and objective: Increased production of reactive oxygen species secondary to phagocyte respiratory burst occurs in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The present study evaluated the efficacy of vitamin E-selenium supplementation on oxidative stress in newly diagnosed patients treated for pulmonary TB.

Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial including patients with newly diagnosed TB was conducted. The intervention group (n = 17) received vitamin E and selenium (vitamin E: 140 mg alpha-tocopherol and selenium: 200 microg) and the control group (n = 18) received placebo. Both groups received standard anti-TB treatment. Assessment of micronutrient levels, oxidative markers and total antioxidant capacity were carried out at baseline and 2 months after the intervention.

Results: Malondialdehyde levels were significantly reduced in the intervention group (P = 0.01), while there was minimal reduction in the control group. The mean plasma level of total antioxidants was increased significantly (P = 0.001) in both the intervention and the control groups.

Conclusion: A 2-month intervention with vitamin E and selenium supplementation reduces oxidative stress and enhances total antioxidant status in patients with pulmonary TB treated with standard chemotherapy.