Abstract
Objective: To review the current literature on the implications of abnormal serum selenium (Se) concentrations on inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: This is a literature review, conducted through articles published in the lastest ten years (2007-2017), in Portuguese and English, indexed in PubMed / MEDLINE, SCIELO and LILACS databases. Results: A total of 63 articles were selected, where 9 were analyzed entirely. After analysis, it was found that 100% of these indicated low Se concentrations in patients with IBD, especially in Crohn's disease. It was also observed that the main implications of this population were: decreased glutathione peroxidase action, decreased protection against cancer. Final considerations: It is concluded that individuals with IBD have low Se concentrations and that this mineral exerts a protective effect, suggesting that therapeutic intervention with Se dietary supplementation should be encouraged in these patients.