Tag: Thyroid function

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Selenium and Pregnancy and Thyroid Function

What Do We Know About Pregnancy and Selenium Deficiency?

First of all, during pregnancy, biomarkers of selenium status decline considerably. In some pregnancies, the blood level of selenium falls to critically low levels [Schomburg 2021].

Pregnant woman
In some studies, low selenium status in pregnancy links to a higher risk of postpartum thyroiditis, particularly in TPO-antibody positive women.

Secondly, the decline in selenium status during pregnancy reflects an increased need for selenium. During the pregnancy, both the mother and the developing fetus need selenium. The mother transfers selenium to the fetus via the placenta [Schomburg 2021].

Thirdly, low selenium status during pregnancy is associated with health risks [Schomburg 2021; Shreenath et al 2023]:

  • impaired immune system function
  • increased vulnerability to autoimmune diseases
  • increased risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm labor, and gestational diabetes

Fourthly, selenium supplementation may be necessary in some cases. To date, the evidence base in support of selenium supplementation during pregnancy is somewhat limited. At this point, we need more randomized controlled trials. However, it is clear that adequate selenium status during pregnancy is important for good immune system function and for preventing the development of autoimmune conditions [Schomburg 2021]. read more

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ChatGPT Answers Selenium Health Benefits Question

How does ChatGPT answer the question: what are the health benefits of selenium supplementation in Europe? Earlier this month, we posed that question to the free version of ChatGPT. We focused on Europe because the selenium intakes in the United States are generally much higher than the selenium intakes in many parts of Europe [Alehagen 2022].

ChatGPT and selenium supplementation
ChatGPT links selenium supplementation to antioxidant protection, cancer prevention, heart health, immune function, and thyroid function. Important to talk with a health professional about selenium intakes and the need for selenium supplementation.

First, ChatGPT explained that selenium is an essential trace element. It plays an important role in physiological processes in the body. It is a necessary component in selenoproteins. These selenoproteins have antioxidant properties. They help regulate immune system function, thyroid function, and DNA synthesis.

Next, ChatGPT reminded that excessive intake of selenium can lead to toxicity. Selenium supplementation should be undertaken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Note that the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 and the European Food Safety Authority both set the tolerable upper intake level at 255 mcg/day [Blomhoff 2023; EFSA 2023]. read more

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Selenium in the Prevention and Treatment of Thyroid Disorders

Throid gland in the neck
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland in the front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. It consists of two lobes connected by the thyroid isthmus. Selenium deficiency and less than optimal activity of the selenoproteins may be a factor in autoimmune thyroid diseases.  https://commons.wikimedia.org.

A 2017 summary of the research literature supports the idea that optimal selenium levels are needed for antioxidant protection against harmful free radicals in the thyroid gland and for the normal metabolism of thyroid hormones [Ventura 2017].

A 2018 research literature review shows that selenium supplementation can reduce anti-thyroperoxidase antibody levels and can improve thyroid ultrasound features. In addition, selenium supplementation is associated with improved symptoms and improved quality of life in patients with Graves orbitopathy [Santos 2018].

Note: Anti-thyroperoxidase antibody levels that are too high (>500 IU/ml) are associated with an increased risk of hypothyroidism in autoimmune thyroiditis, which is the most common form of thyroid disorder [Ehlers 2016]. read more

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Selenium and thyroid function

The thyroid system regulates and maintains many vital functions in the body.  To ensure its optimal functioning, the thyroid gland requires adequate levels of selenium and iodine.

Selenium is an essential micronutrient.  We need only small quantities of it, but we do need selenium as a component of the amino acid selenocysteine.  We need the selenocysteine, in turn, for the body’s synthesis of 25 identified selenoproteins that have a variety of biological functions [Bellinger].

The following outcomes are some of the health benefits associated with adequate selenium intake and status [Ventura]:

  • Reduction of the risk of cancer
  • Enhancement of thyroid function
  • Protection against oxidative damage
  • Enhancement of immune system function
  • Detoxification and elimination of mercury
  • Slower progression of HIV infections to AIDS and death
  • More resistance to opportunistic infections

Selenium and thyroid function

The thyroid is the small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of our necks, just above our breastbones.  For such a small gland, the thyroid gland is very important.  When it is healthy, it produces the hormones that regulate many bodily functions:

  • the body’s metabolism rate
  • the body’s heart function
  • the functioning of the digestive system
  • the body’s muscle control
  • the brain’s development
  • the maintenance of good bone health

Diseases inhibiting thyroid gland function

The most prevalent diseases of the thyroid gland are the following [Iddah]: read more