Selenium – Essential for Thyroid Balance

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Selenium – Essential for Thyroid Balance

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Selenium is a mineral that has antioxidant properties and may help protect cells from damage. Selenium is a mineral found in the soil, however some regions have a very low levels of selenium in their soil, including the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.

Reduces Inflammation
Several research studies have demonstrated the benefits of selenium supplementation in treating autoimmune thyroid conditions. One study found that selenium supplementation had a significant impact on inflammatory activity in thyroid-specific autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s). Reducing inflammation may limit damage to thyroid tissue.

Lowers TPO Thyroid Antibodies
Another study found that selenium supplementation reduced thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody levels in the blood, even in patients with sufficient selenium levels. The positive effect was seen with a dose of 200 mcg. The 100 mcg dose did not have a significant effect.
Although it’s near impossible to know the level of selenium in the foods you are eating due to variations in the soil in may have grown in, it is still recommended to try to get your selenium from food sources.

Slashes Cancer Risk Significantly
In one study (JAMA, 1996), aging individuals supplementing with 200 mcg per day of selenium saw their risk of dying from all cancers slashed by 50%. Selenium insufficiencies are now known to increase risk of cancers of the bladder, lung, stomach, esophagus, and liver. A 2011 meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled clinical trials including 152,538 participants established that selenium supplementation cut risk for all cancers by 24%. The cancer-preventive effect rose to 36% in people with low baseline selenium levels.

Sources of selenium include: brazil nuts, cod, shrimp, tuna, halibut, salmon, scallops, chicken, eggs, shiitake mushrooms, crimini mushrooms, lamb, and turkey.
If you prefer to supplement to ensure your level is high enough to create a positive effect, I recommend Life Extension Super Selenium Complex, which has four different forms of selenium, totaling 200 micrograms. It also provides vitamin E, which works synergistically with selenium as an antioxidant. This dosage is enough to be therapeutic for treating selenium deficiency, but has a lower risk of causing overdose symptoms. This will ensure you are getting the proper amount on a consistent basis.