Hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by low thyroid function, is more prevalent in women than men and in people over 60 years of age, according to the National Institutes of Health. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, thinning hair and depression. Nutritional supplementation, including selenium, a mineral your body requires in minute quantities known as micrograms, may help in the management of hypothyroidism for some people.
Selenium Yeast
Selenium is part of an enzyme that converts the inactive form of thyroid hormone, known as T4, into the active form, known as T3, explains Stephen Langer, M.D., co-author of the book "Solved: The Riddle of Illness." Dr. Langer recommends supplementation with a form of selenium known as selenium yeast, which is more absorbable than other forms, at doses of 150mcg per day to correct a selenium deficiency. Iodine levels also influence selenium's role in thyroid function. Both nutrients contribute to another enzyme involved in activation of thyroid hormone, so that if you live in a place where iodine is present in the soil, but selenium is lacking, your T3 levels may be low and you may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Researchers at the Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Greece found that three months of selenium supplementation may significantly reverse selenium deficiency-related Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. The meta-study, a review of previously published research, cited four studies on Hasimoto's patients that showed lower levels of autoimmune thyroid antibodies in patients who took selenium supplements compared to controls who did not take selenium. Additionally, study participants reported improvement in mood and well-being with selenium supplementation. The study was published in the October 2010 issue of the journal "Thyroid."
High Selenium Concentration
Maintaining optimal selenium levels may go a long way toward preventing thyroid disease, according to a study conducted at the Endocrine Unit, Evgenidion Hospital, Athens, Greece and published in the December 2010 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Metabolism." Selenium is a necessary component of three enzymes that contribute to thyroid hormone production and your thyroid contains more selenium than any other tissue in your body. A variety of different types of studies have confirmed that selenium deficiency worsens symptoms of thyroid-related disorders and may make you more susceptible to autoimmune thyroid disease.
Priority Allocation
In the beginning stages of selenium deficiency, your body will maintain adequate selenium levels of selenium in your thyroid gland to ensure sufficient production of thyroid hormone, say researchers of a German study published in the March 2006 issue of the journal "Endocrinology." This preferential use of selenium indicates that thyroid function is one of the more important uses for this trace mineral. If selenium deficiency remains untreated, your thyroid will eventually show signs of stress and diminished function. Conversely, low blood levels may not be associated with low thyroid function until you reach more severe deficiency states.
References
- "Solved: The Riddle of Illness"; Stephen E. Langer; 2006
- "Thyroid"; Selenium Supplementation in the Treatment of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: a Systematic Review and a Meta-analysis; K.Toulis, et al.; October 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Selenium and the Thyroid: a Close-knit Connection; L.Duntas, et al.; December 2010
- "Endocrinology"; Synthesis and Metabolism of Thyroid Hormones is Preferentially Maintained in Selenium-deficient Transgenic Mice; L.Schomburg, et al.; March 2006
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service; Hypothyroidism; May 2008
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