for thyroid hormones
Selenium is an indispensable element of the proper functioning of our body, and its lack can be a significant problem, which in particular affects the region in which we live. On the one hand, our basic food products contain small amounts of this basic element because the soil contains small amounts of selenium; on the other hand, we do not eat foods with high selenium content (fish, mussels, hearts or liver). In some countries, selenium intake has been reduced by 50% in the last 20-30 years, although this element may play an important role in the prevention of some diseases.
Thyroid
Selenium is essential for the thyroid gland, its proper functioning and production of hormones. Moreover, some studies have shown that selenium can help in the treatment of thyroid disease. In the case of autoimmune thyroiditis, selenium may reduce inflammation, improve quality of life and be useful in the treatment or prevention of hypothyroidism occurring during or after pregnancy.
Pregnancy
According to Italian studies, low selenium levels may reduce the chances of pregnancy because the motility and effectiveness of male sperm with low selenium levels was clearly weaker, and in the same study the relationship between low selenium and the risk of miscarriage in women was also established. According to British studies, lack of selenium may increase the risk of toxic blood poisoning during pregnancy.
Tumors
Based on previous experience, selenium deficiency significantly deviating from optimal values causes cancer of the liver, liver and gall bladder, and new research suggests that selenium supplementation positively affects the early stages of cancerous changes.
The study included women cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (its common abbreviation is CIN); women took placebo or 200 μg selenium for six months. The improvement was visible in 88% of patients treated with selenium and only 56% in the placebo group after six months. In addition, other positive changes were observed in the selenium group: blood sugar levels were normalized, insulin sensitivity and good HDL cholesterol levels increased.
Selenium and heart
Selenium-containing proteins play an antioxidant role of particular importance not only in the thyroid but also in the heart. According to the analysis, which summarized the results of 25 studies, selenium levels and the risk associated with coronary heart disease are closely related: in cases where selenium supply is high, the risk of heart problems is low!
Therefore, in the final analysis, it is beneficial to supplement selenium in order to preserve our health if the products we eat do not offer it in sufficient value! When selecting the right product, attention should be paid to quality and bioavailability. It is worth remembering that selenium is best absorbed, if it is found in organic connections, so-called organic selenium. One small tablet will provide as much selenium as 1 can of tuna or 3 eggs.
sources:
Prediagnostic selenium status and hepatobiliary cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort – Hughes DJ., Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jun 29.
Relatively high mortality risk in elderly Swedish subjects with low selenium status – Alehagen et al., European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2016) 70, 91–96
Selenium status and cardiovascular diseases: meta-analysis of prospective observational studies and randomized controlled trials – Zhang et al., European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 70, 162-169 (February 2016)
Low Population Selenium Status Is Associated With Increased Prevalence of Thyroid Disease – Wu et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Nov;100(11):4037-47.
Association between function of selenium and heart disease - Hiraoka Y. Nihon Rinsho. 2016 Jul;74(7):1192-8.
Selenium and the thyroid - Josef KöhrleCurr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2015 Oct;22(5):392-401.
A szelén szerepeaz endokrin betegségekben – Balázs Cs., Rácz K., Orv Hetil. 2013 Oct 13;154(41):1628-35.
The influence of selenium supplementation on postpartum thyroid status in pregnant women with thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies - Negro R et al. (2007)J Clin Endocrinol Metab 92: 1263–1268
Low population selenium status is associated within creased prevalence of thyroid disease - Qian Wu et al.,J Clin Endocrinol Metab
Selenium and human health – Rayman Lancet 2012; 379: 1256–68
