Selenium is an essential trace element for thyroid health , supporting hormone production and providing antioxidant protection through several selenium-dependent enzymes (such as glutathione peroxidases and deiodinases). Several clinical trials have shown that selenium supplementation can significantly reduce the levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) in autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis). Selenium deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in people with Hashimoto's, and various studies have shown that thyroid disease is associated with selenium deficiency.

Of all the organs in the human body, the thyroid gland has the highest selenium content per gram.

Adequate levels of both iodine and selenium are essential for optimal thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium helps convert the inactive thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) into the biologically active triiodothyronine (T3) with the support of iodine, and it also protects thyroid cells from oxidative damage.

Moreover, in Hungary (and throughout Europe), the soil is particularly deficient in selenium, which means that we almost certainly cannot supply our bodies with enough selenium naturally.

And one more thing: nutritional studies conducted on people with celiac disease have shown that selenium deficiency can also be caused or exacerbated by gluten- and grain-free diets.

By the way, selenium supplementation not only benefits your thyroid, because:

• Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and helps protect the body from chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

• A diet rich in selenium may help prevent mental decline and memory loss

• Selenium plays an important role in immune system health. Its antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress in the body, which reduces inflammation and strengthens immunity.

Selenium supplementation

Supplementing with selenium in therapeutic doses reduces the production of thyroid antibodies and symptoms of thyroid diseases, as well as improving overall well-being.

It can also reduce anxiety by reducing anti-TPO levels, which indirectly contributes (clinically proven) to the relief of anxiety.

Selenium and mionisitol

Research has shown that the combination of selenium and myo-inositol can have a synergistic effect that maximizes the benefits for thyroid function – taking both together can not only reduce thyroid antibody levels, but also reduce TSH levels by an average of 30 percent. In some cases, this can normalize TSH levels (both low and high TSH levels), reduce the risk of developing overt hypothyroidism, and improve the overall well-being of those living with Hashimoto’s.

Some studies on Graves' disease indicate that selenium supplementation has also resulted in improvements in the thyroid gland and appears to have a beneficial effect on Graves' orbitopathy, or eye condition (bulging eyes).

Natural sources of selenium: The amount of selenium in plant foods varies depending on the selenium content of the soil in which they are grown, so the selenium concentration of plants depends largely on where they are grown. Brazil nuts contain the most selenium (after oysters), with an average of 174% of the recommended daily intake in 5 grams (one nut). Next come fish: halibut, yellowfin tuna, sardines, but there is also some in eggs and sunflower seeds.