It is estimated that one billion people worldwide lack selenium. This has fatal consequences for public health because it increases the risk of virus infections, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurological disorders, and involuntary infertility. Adding to that problem is the fact that mercury, a known environmental toxin, throws a wrench into selenium’s different functions. In the following, we have compiled a long list of studies that look closer at the consequences of selenium deficiency and the advantage of optimizing the body’s selenium status with help from supplements.

After giving birth, the mother’s adaptability and resources are put to the test. Also, the mother’s “baby brain” tends to take over. Unfortunately, many new mothers get the baby blues, and around 10 percent develop an actual postpartum depression that requires immediate attention. It is important to focus on the underlying causes that include the course of the delivery plus hormonal, biological, social, and emotional changes.

A new study links thyroid disorders to female infertility. At the same time, it is known that selenium, an essential micronutrient, is required for normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Modern diets are depleted of selenium and the question is: Could selenium supplements be a good place to begin for infertile couples before embarking on expensive IVF therapy?

It appears so. Iodine is an essential trace element that is vital for metabolism and estrogen balance. Iodine also helps the body get rid of environmental toxins. In fact, exposure to these toxins increases our need for iodine, and many experts believe that the official recommendations for iodine are too low.

Extreme fatigue, unsuccessful attempts to lose weight, mood swings, dry skin, constipation, swollen throat, and many other symptoms may be a sign of Hashimoto’s disease that slows down the metabolic rate. This thyroid disorder that develops slowly is increasing at a rapid rate. Other thyroid disorders like Graves’ disease that cause hyperthyroidism are also a problem. In a review article published in Nutrients, researchers have looked at how nutrients such as iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, and vitamin D support the thyroid gland, the body’s production of thyroid hormones, and the regulation of chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. Millions of people around the world lack one or several nutrients that are needed to prevent and treat these common thyroid disorders. Lack of nutrients can also explain why many people receiving medical therapy for their condition aren’t helped. The digestive system and food intolerance may also play a role.

- which is important for your metabolism and estrogen balance

We humans are exposed to many toxic fluoride compounds from toothpaste, mouth rinses, tap water and mineral water, Teflon pans, cookie sheets, rain clothes, waterproofing agents etc. Fluoride poisoning may increase your risk of thyroid disorders, breast cancer, kidney diseases, ADHD, and birth defects. In addition, the need for iodine is increased, and it is also important to mention that the symptoms of a fluoride poisoning are often similar to the symptoms of an iodine deficiency.

Lack of selenium increases the risk of impaired fertility and complications in connection with pregnancy and birth. Because selenium deficiencies are rather common, both men and women should ideally make sure that they get enough of this essential trace element that is involved in various functions - right from conception to delivery.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common underlying cause of hypothyroidism. It is characterized by extreme fatigue, weight gain, and a number of other symptoms. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition where antibodies attack the thyroid gland. Many people who get treatment for their disease don’t improve, on the contrary. According to a meta-analysis published in Medicine, however, selenium supplementation appears to be able to reduce the autoimmune reactions and the body’s production of the different antibodies. Selenium helps control the thyroid function but also serves as an antioxidant that protects the thyroid gland against oxidative stress.

- plus thyroid disorders, poisoning, and a lot more

Iodine is the only mineral, which is compulsorily added to foods because it is can prevent goiter. Studies show that iodine also plays a role in the metabolism, the energy levels, estrogen balance and even helps prevent breast cancer. What is more, iodine can help the body get rid of environmental toxins such as fluoride compounds. Many experts believe that the official iodine recommendations are too low, and it is important to make a note of the fact that refined table salt often contains anti-caking agents like aluminum, and that sea salt is not enriched with iodine.

Selenium supports a host of different metabolic processes and serves as an antioxidant that protects our cells. According to recent studies, selenium also has anti-ageing properties that protect us against cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, and other age-related diseases. According to a review article published in Medical News Today, selenium also helps against impaired immunity and counteracts chronic inflammation, which is typically seen in connection with ageing processes. A Swedish study of healthy seniors has even showed that supplementation with selenium and Q10 has a positive effect on heart function, quality of life, and life expectancy.

Hashimoto’s disease (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) is an overlooked scourge that leads to hypothyroidism and is particularly widespread among women. Postpartum thyroiditis that also slows down your metabolism follows in the wake of pregnancy. Graves’ disease where the metabolism speeds up (hyperthyroidism) is less common. These three thyroid disorders belong to the group of autoimmune disorders where the immune defense attacks the body’s tissues, and it appears that lack of vitamin D increases the risk, as it controls the immune defense in a number of ways. According to a new review article that is published in Nutrients, taking larger quantities of vitamin D may have a positive impact on these thyroid disorders.

Q10 has a key role in the cellular energy turnover and also serves as an antioxidant that protects the body against oxidative stress. Disruptions in the energy-producing mitochondria in cells and oxidative stress may also be involved in different types of hormone disturbances that affect the thyroid gland, pancreas, sex glands, pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. In a new review article that is published in Antioxidants, scientists look closer at Q10’s role with particular focus on hyperthyroidism, type 2 diabetes, and poor sperm quality, all of which can be corrected through supplementation.

Graves’ disease, also known as Basedow’s disease, is caused by hyperthyroidism and is associated with a number of different symptoms. A lot of patients also develop Graves’ ophthalmology, a disorder that can result in bulging eyes and impaired vision in severe cases. Apparently, daily supplementation with 200 micrograms of selenium has a positive impact on the eyes and their appearance, according to a Thai study that is published in Orbit.

Selenium is a trace element with a number of essential functions. An estimated one billion people worldwide get too little dietary selenium. The problem is mainly a result of nutrient-depleted farmland. Moreover, blood levels of selenium drop drastically in connection with COVID-19 infections, serious illness, and pregnancy because the body has an increased need for the nutrient. Altogether, selenium deficiency increases the risk of complicated COVID-19 infections, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, preterm delivery, and miscarriage. Supplementation may help optimize blood levels of selenium, which can be relevant for preventing and treating a number of common diseases, according to an article that is published in International Journal of Medical Sciences.

Lack of selenium, an essential trace element, may cause thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, virus infections, AIDS, infertility, neurological disturbances, and cancer. An estimated one billion people worldwide are selenium-deficient. This is mainly a result of nutrient-depleted soil, which is a real problem in places like Europe. For decades, scientists have been warning about this problem, and a lot suggests that we need more than the officially recommended intake to protect ourselves effectively against disease, according to a review article published in StatPearls.

Selenium supports a variety of different selenoproteins and antioxidants that are important for our immune defense, circulatory system, cancer protection, metabolism, gut flora, fertility, nervous system, and general health. This is described in two meta-analyses that are published in Frontiers in Nutrition. The authors mention that there is widespread selenium deficiency in large parts of the world, Europe included, and that this is a public health problem. The big question is how much selenium we need to effectively prevent and treat many chronic illnesses.

Over the past decades, numerous studies have linked low selenium levels in the blood to cardiovascular disease, cancer, increased risk of infection, thyroid disorders, and several other diseases. Due to the widespread problems with selenium deficiency, supplementation with this nutrient is of potential value to our general health. In a review article that is published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, the authors look at selenium’s role in connection with a host of different diseases and metabolic disorders.

Selenium is involved in enzymes that activate thyroid hormones. It is also part of several antioxidants that protect cells and the circulatory system from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, selenium is crucial for the optimal utilization of Q10, which plays a role in cellular energy metabolism. However, selenium intake in many European countries is too low, mainly due to depleted soil. At the same time, the body’s endogenous production of Q10 declines significantly with age. This can lead to metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis, fatigue, and other deficiency-related conditions. According to a follow-up study published in BMC Medicine, supplementation with selenium and Q10 has a positive effect on thyroid hormones, circulation, quality of life, and lifespan.

- and these compounds increase the need for iodine

We humans are exposed to a host of toxic fluoride compounds from food packaging, cookie sheets, rain clothes, impregnation agents, tap water, toothpaste etc. Effective July 1., 2020, cardboard, parchment paper, and cookie sheets that contain fluoride compounds are banned in Denmark. Fluoride poisoning increases the risk of various thyroid disorders, breast cancer, kidney diseases, ADHD, and fetal damage. At the same time, it increases the need for iodine. In fact, the symptoms of fluoride poisoning are often the same as the those seen with iodine deficiency. Read more about how to avoid fluoride compounds in the environment and how to make sure to get enough iodine.

- and selenium deficiencies are widespread

An estimated 500,000 Danes suffer from some kind of thyroid disorder, the most common of which is Hashimoto’s disease, which slows down your metabolism. The formation and activation of thyroid hormones depend on iodine and selenium, and it is essential that the two nutrients are properly balanced. Having too little or too much iodine increases your risk of Hashimoto’s disease, and the same is the case with selenium, a nutrient that many people lack.
Some of the problems that are seen in people with slow metabolism are extreme fatigue, weight gain, constipation, cold sensitivity, swollen neck, and dry skin. The symptoms can vary, however, and many people still have not been given the proper diagnosis. Medical therapy with thyroid hormones will not necessarily solve the problem. In fact, as many as 20 percent of patients actually feel worse, although their blood tests appear to be normal. It is therefore important to focus more in the role of iodine and selenium in the metabolism.