Selenium Intake & Hypothyroidism

Your body needs the mineral selenium in small amounts, making it known as a trace mineral. Selenium supports a healthy immune system and functions as an antioxidant, which means it protects cells from damage caused by negatively charged particles. In 2000, "The Lancet" reported selenium as best-known for its ability to boost the production of thyroid hormone, making it important in preventing hypothyroidism.

Thyroid Function

Your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, produces two hormones known as thyroxine, or T4, and triiodothyronine, or T3. These hormones regulate the conversion of oxygen into energy, making them vital to nearly every bodily function. The chemical reactions necessary to produce the thyroid hormones also produce a hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct. The negatively charged particles of hydrogen peroxide can damage the thyroid cells and over time reduce their ability to produce thyroid hormone, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Selenium protects the thyroid cells from damage, which promotes the production of thyroid hormone.

Selenium Function

Your body incorporates the selenium you consume into proteins called selenoproteins. Scientists have identified several classes of selenoproteins. Selenoproteins are most well-known for their ability to protect cells, but another class of selenoproteins known as iodothyronine deiodinase enzymes promotes the conversion of the T4 thyroid hormone into the active and more potent T3 thyroid hormone. Although your thyroid gland produces approximately 80 percent T4 and only 20 percent T3, according to Endocrineweb.com, higher levels of T3 help reduce the risk of medical problems associated with hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism

Doctors diagnose the medical condition hypothyroidism when your thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone to support the needs of your body. Hypothyroidism most commonly occurs when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed but can also occur due to a deficiency in iodine or selenium. Hypothyroidism affects nearly 10 million people in the United States and more commonly occurs in women, according to Endocrineweb.com. A lack of thyroid hormone causes your metabolism to decrease resulting in symptoms including cold hands and feet, fatigue, constipation, depression and weight gain.

Selenium Intake

To avoid the onset of hypothyroidism and maintain overall good health, The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults consume 55 mcg of selenium per day. Many foods contribute selenium to your diet, but the amount of selenium in each food depends on the amount of selenium in the soil where the food grows. Brazil nuts contain the highest level of selenium, with approximately 544 mcg per 1 oz. serving. Rice and other grains contain selenium. Meat and fish can also contain selenium, including turkey, chicken, beef, cod and tuna.