Selenium is an essential trace element for the human body. The Thyroid gland has a high concentration of selenium, also its adequate intake is for the correct production and action of the basic antioxidant enzymes. It acts as a powerful antioxidant that contributes to the good functioning of the immune system and the thyroid gland.
Selenium as an enzyme helps create glutathione peroxidases. Glutathione peroxidases protect cells from oxidative damage as they also protect the thyroid gland by neutralizing unnecessary free radicals produced during thyroid hormone synthesis.
It is also found in the body in a large number of vital proteins (mainly in the muscles, the liver and kidneys), which are called selenoproteins usually in the form of selenomethionine (storage form) and selenocysteine (active form).
Selenium, as an essential component for a variety of biological functions such as antioxidant defense and thyroid hormone production, in its possible deficiency can reduce the synthesis of selenoproteins as well as thyroid hormones. The reduction in thyroid hormone production will damage the cells of the thyroid gland. A well-known damage to the thyroid gland is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in which there is almost always a lack of selenium in the body. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, researches has shown that 200 mcg of selenium per day has a great benefit in the disease with a good chance of eliminating it in the long term.
Selenium is found in many foods, such as walnuts, brazil nuts, meat, fish, oysters, cereals, mushrooms. A diet containing these foods is suitable for adequate selenium intake. In case of possible deficiency in the body, a supplement is necessary along with the intake of the above foods.

Leave a comment