The organ with the highest amount of selenium per gram in our body is the thyroid gland. Pharmacist and Homeopath Ezgi Nevçehan explains this important relationship between selenium and thyroid and draws attention to the health problems that may occur in selenium deficiency.
What is Selenium? What is it for?
Selenium is a trace element that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and plays a role in the production of active thyroid hormone T3. It is known that selenium, along with iodine, has an essential role in the regulation of the thyroid hormone system.
How Does Selenium Deficiency Affect the Thyroid?
The active form of thyroid hormones in the body is the T3 form and is formed by conversion from the T4 hormone in the liver. Selenium and zinc play a role in this transformation. In selenium deficiency, the T3 hormone cannot be produced sufficiently, leading to symptoms of thyroid hormone deficiency.
Selenium Supplementation is Recommended for Thyroid Diseases
Selenium supplementation used in autoimmune thyroid diseases has been shown to balance the inflammatory and immune systems and reduce oxidative stress. Especially in Hashimoto's Thyroid disease, inflammation symptoms can be reduced by utilizing the antioxidant effect of selenium.
Symptoms of Selenium Deficiency:
- Metallic taste in mouth
- brittle nails
- Tooth decay
- Stomach and intestinal problems such as nausea
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Skin lesions and rashes
- Hair loss
- Thyroid problems
Selenium Rich Foods:
- Brazil nuts
- Oat
- Et
- Chicken
- Hindi
- Mantar
- Sunflower seeds
How to Supplement Selenium?
The recommended daily selenium intake for adults over 14 years of age is 55 micrograms. However, this number increases up to 60 micrograms for pregnant women and 70 micrograms for breastfeeding women. 200 mcg selenium supplement is recommended especially in thyroid diseases.
Things to Consider in Selenium Deficiency:
Selenium absorption may decrease in diseases such as Crohn's disease, HIV or kidney diseases requiring dialysis. Therefore, they may need to take higher doses. It is important not to ignore this important relationship between selenium and thyroid and to consult your doctor about selenium supplementation.
