You’ve probably never heard of selenium before, and that’s okay—you’re not alone. It’s somewhat of an unsung hero when it comes to dietary minerals. Let’s take a look at what it is, and how it can be used as a supplement for better health outcomes.
What is selenium?
Selenium is an essential mineral that provides a list of important benefits. To name just a few:
- It’s an antioxidant
- It plays a role in thyroid hormone production
- It helps with DNA synthesis
- It plays a role in reproductive processes
- It plays a role in the immune system
So, clearly selenium is a valuable element in our diets. Fortunately, it can be found in a number of foods. Here’s a short list of selenium-rich foods:
- nuts
- seafood
- meat
- poultry
- organ meats
- grains
- dairy products
Selenium’s Effectiveness for Treating Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Selenium supplementation has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in lowering thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), particularly in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), including Hashimoto’s disease.
Elevated TPOAbis a hallmark of autoimmune thyroid disease and reflects an immune attack on thyroid peroxidase (TPO)—an enzyme essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. TPO facilitates the iodination (or organification) of tyrosine residues on thyroglobulin, a precursor protein for thyroid hormones T3 and T4. When antibodies attack TPO, this process is impaired, reducing thyroid hormone production and increasing the risk of hypothyroidism.
Fortunately, selenium can help mitigate this process through several mechanisms:
How Selenium May Help
1. Reduces Oxidative Stress:
Selenium is an essential component of glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme that neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a known contributor to thyroid inflammation and the progression of autoimmune thyroiditis.
2. Modulates Immune Response:
Selenium may regulate immune function by reducing the production of autoantibodies like TPOAb that attack thyroid tissue. This can help prevent further damage to the thyroid gland.
3. Improves Thyroid Function:
By decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, selenium helps protect thyroid cells, supporting hormone production and reducing the likelihood of developing hypothyroidism in individuals with AIT.
Research Evidence to Support Selenium’s Role in Improving Thyroid Health
Extensive research supports selenium’s role in improving thyroid health:
• Reduction of TPOAb Levels: Studies have shown that selenium supplementation significantly decreases TPOAb levels after six months, particularly in patients with Hashimoto’s disease.
• Euthyroid Benefits: Selenium has also proven beneficial for individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis who maintain normal thyroid hormone levels (euthyroid status).
• Pregnancy and Postpartum Thyroiditis: Selenium supplementation during pregnancy has been linked to reduced TPOAb levels and a lower risk of postpartum thyroiditis.
• Meta-Analyses: Reviews of multiple studies confirm that selenium supplementation reduces both TPOAb and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), markers of autoimmune thyroid disease.
Considerations for Selenium Supplementation
1. Dosage:
Research suggests benefits with selenium doses between 100 and 200 mcg per day. However, the optimal dosage for TPOAb reduction is still under investigation.
2. Form of Selenium:
Organic selenium, particularly selenium methionine, is recommended due to its higher bioavailability compared to inorganic forms.
3. Combined Therapies:
Selenium supplementation is often part of a broader treatment plan that includes dietary changes (e.g., the Autoimmune Protocol), stress management, and conventional medical treatments.
4. Monitoring and Safety:
Regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels and TPOAb is essential during selenium supplementation. High doses of selenium can be toxic, so it’s important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, selenium shows promise as a valuable therapeutic supplement for reducing TPOAb and improving thyroid health in individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis.
If you are considering selenium supplementation, you’ll need to talk with your primary healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage, form of selenium, and overall treatment plan.
Above all else, if you’re experiencing fatigue, unexpected weight gain, or any unexplained symptoms, you may need to have your hormone levels checked. Schedule your labs at Blue Sky MD today and start getting answers!
For more detailed research, visit the study here.
