If you suffer from a thyroid condition, you might not be aware of how critical selenium is to your thyroid function. Unfortunately, many General Practitioners are not advising their thyroid patients to supplement with this important mineral.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral found in the soil, and crops grown in these soils convert selenium into organic forms that are absorbed by the body. For thyroid function, selenium is part of the enzyme that helps the conversion process of the thyroid hormones. Therefore, someone suffering a deficiency in selenium may affect thyroid function and promote hypothyroidism. In fact, a study cited in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that selenium deficiency can result in thyroid injury and decreased T3 (thyroid hormone) production1. In addition, some researchers believe that low T3 levels are characteristic in areas with insufficient selenium levels in soil. Selenium can have an effect on the hypothyroidism, as well as the symptoms attributed to the problem:m

“…symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, lack of energy, intolerance to cold temperatures, menstrual irregularities, depression, sluggish reflexes, hair loss, dry, coarse skin, brittle nails and puffiness around the eyes. Typically symptoms present themselves slowly and often evade detection… Try supplementing with zinc and selenium. Studies indicate that severe zinc or selenium deficiencies can cause decreased thyroid hormone levels.” (From Alternative Health)

Selenium is also regarded as an effective supplement for those interested in healthy weight loss:

“The body needs the mineral selenium to perform the conversion properly, a mineral that is amazingly low in the American diet and in which huge numbers of people are deficient. In any case, even though there may be enough thyroid hormone in the bloodstream, it may not be getting to its target cells where it can do its metabolic work.” (From Diet Forum Live)

If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, be sure to talk to your doctor to determine if you need a selenium supplement. Selenium supplements are available from your local health store or click here to purchase from Physician’s Preference.

1. Burrow G, Fisher D, Larsen P. Mechanisms of Disease: Maternal and Fetal Thyroid Function, N Engl J Med 1994; 331:1072-1078