Selenium reduces anti-Tg antibodiesEffect of selenium on anti-Tg antibody in patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism: A randomized controlled trial.
Direct impact on thyroid treatment
We conducted a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial to investigate how selenium affects individuals with autoimmune hypothyroidism. In our study, we divided 144 patients into two groups, one receiving a combination of levothyroxine (a common thyroid treatment) and selenium, while the other group was given a placebo along with the same thyroid medication. This design allowed us to effectively measure the results and make a fair comparison between the two groups.
After three months of treatment, we observed some interesting changes. The group that took selenium showed a significant reduction in anti-Tg antibodies—markers associated with thyroid autoimmunity—compared to the placebo group. We also found that their TSH levels decreased significantly, while their free T4 levels increased. This suggests that selenium not only helps lower immune system activity against the thyroid but also supports overall thyroid function.
Our findings suggest that incorporating selenium into the treatment plan for autoimmune hypothyroidism could be beneficial for patients. While this doesn't isolate selenium’s effects completely, as it was taken alongside levothyroxine, the results indicate its potential in managing thyroid health effectively.
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Selenium aids subclinical hypothyroidismSupplementation with myo-inositol and Selenium improves the clinical conditions and biochemical features of women with or at risk for subclinical hypothyroidism.
Combination treatment limits isolation
We approached the intriguing question of whether selenium, when combined with myo-inositol, could help those dealing with subclinical hypothyroidism. This study involved 148 women of reproductive age, who had their thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels monitored over a six-month period while taking daily supplements.
Throughout the study, we observed substantial improvements in TSH levels, as well as reductions in autoantibody titers, which are markers of thyroid autoimmune activity. Participants also reported better management of symptoms typically associated with hypothyroidism, including more regular menstrual cycles and lower cholesterol levels. Remarkably, these benefits appeared alongside the treatment quite consistently.
Overall, the findings suggest that incorporating selenium and myo-inositol into the treatment plan for subclinical hypothyroidism could be quite beneficial. This combination may not only help stabilize thyroid function but could also improve the quality of life for women affected by this condition. The study holds promise for those seeking alternative options to manage their thyroid health effectively.
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Selenium and myo-inositol efficacyRole of Supplementation with Selenium and Myo-Inositol Versus Selenium Alone in Patients of Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Focus on combined treatment effects
We explored the impact of selenium supplementation on patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, particularly focusing on its effectiveness in restoring normal thyroid function. The study compared the effects of selenium alone against a combination therapy of selenium and myo-inositol (referred to as MI + Se).
Through a systematic review of three studies involving 288 participants, we observed that the combined treatment of selenium and myo-inositol resulted in a notable decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. This suggests that combining these two supplements may enhance the restoring of thyroid function better than selenium alone.
However, while we noted significant reductions in TSH and thyroglobulin antibodies, other measures like TPO antibodies, T3, and T4 levels showed minimal or no significant changes. This indicates that while the MI + Se treatment could help in some areas, more extensive research is necessary to fully understand its effectiveness and to perhaps confirm these findings with larger, long-term studies.
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We investigated how selenium affects thyroid function in older Chinese adults, focusing particularly on its potential impact on hypothyroidism. Our study included participants aged 65 and older, who provided samples of their fingernails and whole blood for analysis. We specifically looked at hormone levels, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and various forms of thyroxine, to assess thyroid health.
Our findings revealed a strong positive association between selenium levels in the blood and fingernails, suggesting that higher selenium status is linked with lower TSH levels. We observed that participants in higher selenium quartiles had lower TSH, which is typically associated with less risk of hypothyroidism. For instance, those with the highest selenium levels showed a reduced odds ratio for hypothyroidism.
However, our results also highlighted a complex relationship; while higher selenium levels seemed to lower the risk of hypothyroidism, they were simultaneously linked with an increased risk of hyperthyroidism. This dual effect suggests that selenium status also plays a role in thyroid dysfunctions, with both positive and negative implications for thyroid health.
In summary, higher selenium levels are associated with lower TSH levels and may reduce the risk of hypothyroidism, but they also pose a higher risk for hyperthyroidism in this older population. This study emphasizes the intricate balance of nutrients like selenium in managing thyroid health, particularly among aging adults.
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We observed the effects of selenium and zinc deficiencies on thyroid health in a particular case involving a 50-year-old man. This individual had undergone intestinal surgery, leaving him with a significant reduction in his small intestine. As a result, he was reliant on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) without trace element supplements for about six weeks.
During this period, lab tests indicated that his thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were elevated, along with high free thyroxine (FT4) and low free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels—an unusual pattern that raised suspicion of selenium deficiency. After starting selenium supplementation, we were pleased to note an improvement: his FT3 levels increased, and FT4 levels returned to normal ranges, although TSH still showed some temporary elevation.
We considered that zinc deficiency could also play a role in this thyroid dysfunction. After introducing zinc into his treatment plan, we noticed a normalization of his overall thyroid function. This highlights the importance of evaluating both selenium and zinc levels when addressing thyroid health, particularly in patients on TPN.
Overall, while selenium supplementation showed significant improvement in the case, the role of zinc was also critical in fully resolving the thyroid dysfunction.
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