Autoimmune thyroiditis is the umbrella term for various types of thyroiditis in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland.
The result is often hypothyroidism, the insufficient functioning of the thyroid gland.
The two major types of hypothyroidism are Hashimoto’s disease and atrophic thyroiditis.
Thyroiditis is the medical term for inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Immune system disorder can also cause an overactive thyroid, called hyperthyroidism; Graves’ disease is the most common form.
Selenium Supplementation to Prevent Hypothyroidism
In a 2021 review article, Filipowicz et al assert that many European endocrinologists prescribe selenium supplements to autoimmune thyroiditis patients.
For example, a 2016 survey of 815 doctors (91% endocrinologists) has shown that almost 80% of the surveyed doctors prescribe selenium supplementation to autoimmune thyroiditis patients. The rationale for the selenium supplementation is the delay of the hypothyroidism or a decrease in thyroid antibodies [Filipowicz 2021].