Selenium

Clinical efficacy of selenium supplementation in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Zhang H, Yang Y, Liu S, Yang Y, Liu Z · Medicine · 2025 · n=1610

To assess the clinical benefits of Selenium (Se) supplementation in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT). Eight databases were searched for randomized controlled trials. The outcomes of interest were thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4). The study protocol is registered on INPLASY, DOI number is 10.37766/inplasy2022.10.0085. Twenty-one studies with a total of 1610 subjects were included. Serum TPOAb was significantly reduced after Se supplementation after 3 months (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.74 to -0.18, P = .001) and 6 months (SMD = -0.80, 95%CI: -1.38 to -0.21, P = .008). The serum TgAb levels decreased at 3 months (SMD = -0.46, 95%CI: -0.79 to -0.12, P = .007) but not at 6 months. Significant effects on declining the TSH titers

Associations between Diet and Cognitive Function in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Amanat S, Dordevic AL, Brodtmann A, Cardoso BR · Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) · 2025

Poststroke cognitive decline is a major form of disability in stroke survivors. Although dietary interventions have shown potential in improving cognitive outcomes in stroke-free populations, their effects on stroke survivors remain unclear. This review aimed to evaluate associations between diet and cognitive function in stroke survivors. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINHAL were searched for studies from inception to 16 December, 2024. Eligible articles were observational and interventional studies on adult stroke survivors that evaluated the association/effect of any nutritional exposure/intervention on cognitive performance and dementia risk. Studies were excluded when an intervention was combined with nonnutritional treatment. Random-effects meta-analysis was used for similar randomized clinical trials. This review included 20 clinical trials and 14 observational studies assessing the intake of energy and proteins and a variety of single nutrients, as well as dietary patterns, sing

The efficacy and safety of selenium supplementation versus placebo in the treatment of Graves' orbitopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Sharabati I, Qafesha RM, Hindawi MD, Amro S, Ayesh BM · Clinical endocrinology · 2024

Selenium is a trace element crucial for thyroid function, and has potential therapeutic benefits in Graves' orbitopathy (GO). Therefore, we aim to evaluate its efficacy and safety in GO patients to provide valuable insights into its role as a therapeutic option for this condition. Systematic review and meta-analysis. GO Patients treated with selenium compared to placebo. Clinical activity score (CAS), Graves' orbitopathy quality of life (GO-QOL), eye symptoms and signs, and adverse events. Out of 1684 records screened, four randomised controlled trials were included. Selenium was superior at 6 months in lowering the CAS (MD = -1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.68, -0.85], p < .0001]), improving total GO-QOL (RR = 2.54, 95% CI [1.69-3.81], p < .00001), and improving the visual and the psychological functioning scores (MD = 10.84, 95% CI [4.94-16.73], p = .003), (MD = 12.76, 9

Iron and ferritin deficiency in women with hypothyroidism and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis - systematic review.

Gierach M, Rudewicz M, Junik R · Endokrynologia Polska · 2024

Iron is one of the essential microelements necessary for maintaining the body's homeostasis. It serves various roles, including being a crucial component in the proper structure of many enzymes and supporting the transport of oxygen and electrons. Its deficiency can lead to anaemia, which is a common clinical condition often associated with thyroid diseases. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies, and its prevalence is strongly associated with socioeconomic status. It is the primary cause of anaemia in 42% of children and 50% of women. Importantly, iron deficiency is placed among the top 5 causes of disability in women. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme essential for the production of thyroid hormones, and iron is a key factor in its proper functioning. Therefore, in the case of iron deficiency, the activity of this enzyme is also reduced. Iron is also a factor that is important in epigenetic modification processes, and its deficiency may contribute to g

Micronutrients and Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review.

Wang R, Lin J, Liu Q, Wu W, Wu J, Liu X · Molecular nutrition & food research · 2024

Hair loss is a common problem that can negatively impact individuals' psychological well-being. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most prevalent types of nonscarring hair loss. This review summarizes the existing evidence on the relationship between AGA and various micronutrients, including vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and copper. A literature search was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 1993 and 2023. The search identified 49 relevant articles. The findings suggest that deficiencies or imbalances in these micronutrients may contribute to the pathogenesis of AGA and represent modifiable risk factors for hair loss prevention and treatment. Vitamin B, vitamin D, iron, and zinc appear to play critical roles in hair growth and maintenance. Deficiencies in these micronutrients have been associated with increased risk of AGA, while supplementation with these nutrients has shown potential benefits in improving h

Nutraceuticals and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review of the literature.

Menichini D, Ughetti C, Monari F, Di Vinci PL, Neri I, Facchinetti F · Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology · 2022

BackgroundThis study proposes a review of nutraceuticals used in the treatment of typical symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).The aim is to provide a classification of the most widely used nutraceutical supplements identifying the most effective nutraceuticals on glucose and insulin metabolism, the androgenic hormone profile, fertility, ovulatory capacity, inflammation, and oxidative stress.Material and MethodsWe included randomized controlled trials on PCOS patients undergoing administration of nutraceuticals, in particular vitamin D, vitamin E, probiotics, and inositols. These administrations are variable in terms of dosage, single supplementation, or combined with other compounds, dosage, and duration of the intervention.ResultsThe supplementation of inositols, at the physiologic ratio of 40: 1 of myo- and D-chiro-inositols, resulted to be the most effective in improving the glucose homeostasis and fertility, with a restoration of ovulatory capacity and menstrual regularity

The 2021 European Group on Graves' orbitopathy (EUGOGO) clinical practice guidelines for the medical management of Graves' orbitopathy.

Bartalena L, Kahaly GJ, Baldeschi L, Dayan CM, Eckstein A, Marcocci C · European journal of endocrinology · 2021

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is the main extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease (GD). Choice of treatment should be based on the assessment of clinical activity and severity of GO. Early referral to specialized centers is fundamental for most patients with GO. Risk factors include smoking, thyroid dysfunction, high serum level of thyrotropin receptor antibodies, radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, and hypercholesterolemia. In mild and active GO, control of risk factors, local treatments, and selenium (selenium-deficient areas) are usually sufficient; if RAI treatment is selected to manage GD, low-dose oral prednisone prophylaxis is needed, especially if risk factors coexist. For both active moderate-to-severe and sight-threatening GO, antithyroid drugs are preferred when managing Graves' hyperthyroidism. In moderate-to-severe and active GO i.v. glucocorticoids are more effective and better tolerated than oral glucocorticoids. Based on current evidence and efficacy/safety profile,

Efficacy and tolerability of an oral supplement containing amino acids, iron, selenium, and marine hydrolyzed collagen in subjects with hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, AGA or FAGA or telogen effluvium). A prospective, randomized, 3-month, controlled, assessor-blinded study.

Milani M, Colombo F, GFM‐O‐Trial Investigators Group · Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) · 2023 · n=83

Oral supplementation with some amino acids (like methionine, taurine, and cysteine) could be useful in subjects with hair loss conditions such as androgenic alopecia (AGA or FAGA) or telogen effluvium (TE). Hydrolysed collagen (HC) oral supplementation has demonstrated to have beneficial effects on nail and skin health and could improve hair growth. A food supplement in tablet formulation containing hydrolysed fish-origin collagen (300 mg/dose), taurine, cysteine, methionine, iron, and selenium has been recently available. To date no controlled data are available regarding the clinical efficacy of this product as adjuvant to hair loss specific treatments in these clinical conditions. To evaluate and compare the efficacy and tolerability of an oral supplementation based on HC and amino acids in subjects with hair loss due to AGA/FAGA or chronic TE in combination with drug treatments in comparison with drug treatments alone. In a prospective, 12-week, randomized, assessor-blinded

Effect of selenium on thyroid autoimmunity and regulatory T cells in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A prospective randomized-controlled trial.

Hu Y, Feng W, Chen H, Shi H, Jiang L, Zheng X · Clinical and translational science · 2021

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in human. Recent studies of Se supplementation on the effect of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) have been reported, but the exact benefit is unclear as well as the underlying immunologic mechanism. We aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of Se supplement in patients with HT, and explore the potential mechanism against thyroid autoimmunity. A prospective, randomized-controlled study was performed in patients with HT assigned to two groups. Se-treated group (n = 43) received selenious yeast tablet (SYT) for 6 months, whereas no treatment in control group (n = 47). The primary outcome is the change of thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) or thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb). Second, thyroid function, urinary iodine, Se, Glutathione peroxidase3 (GPx3), and Selenoprotein P1 (SePP1) levels were measured during the SYT treatment. Meanwhile, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their subsets activated Tregs (aTregs), resting Tregs, and se

Diet and psoriasis.

Pona A, Haidari W, Kolli SS, Feldman SR · Dermatology online journal · 2019

Patients with psoriasis have a growing interest in managing their disease through diet. This review paper aims to analyze dietary interventions for psoriasis and their outcome. Terms "psoriasis AND diet" were used to search PubMed database and 63 articles describing dietary changes influencing psoriasis were selected. Low calorie diet (LCD) improves Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in conjunction with topical or systemic therapy, although LCD was unsuccessful in maintaining disease remission when patients discontinued concomitant cyclosporine or methotrexate therapy. A fish oil diet improved baseline PASI of 7.7 to 5.3 at three months and 2.6 at 6 months compared to control (PASI: 8.9, 7.8, and 7.8, respectively). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigating selenium supplementation in psoriasis provided no PASI improvement. Zinc supplementation with concomitant betamethasone valerate 0.0025% ointment in a rando

Neuro-immune, metabolic, and oxidative pathways in depression due to hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Al-Baldawi SQ, Al-Hakeim HK, Khémiri I, Maes M · Journal of affective disorders · 2026

Hypothyroidism is linked to depression and several metabolic alterations, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress. This study investigates the impact of hormones, autoimmunity, metabolic, and antioxidant indicators on the severity of depression in patients with hypothyroidism. Forty-six patients with hypothyroidism and seventy-four with Hashimoto's thyroiditis participated in this study, along with sixty healthy controls. Patients were categorized based on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (≥ 17) into those with depression and those without. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was employed to evaluate blood insulin and selenoprotein P (SePP). Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry was employed to quantify serum selenium concentrations. Serum zinc and lipid profile indicators were measured using spectrophotometry. Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis are linked to increased atherogenicity, insulin resistance, and reduced

The association between dietary mineral intake and bone mineral density: a cross-sectional study.

Wei M, Wei J, Huang S · Journal of health, population, and nutrition · 2025

Minerals are essential for maintaining bone health; however, the relationship between specific mineral intakes and bone mineral density (BMD) remains insufficiently understood. This study aims to examine the associations between the intakes of dietary minerals, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and selenium (Se), and BMD. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Multivariate weighted generalized linear regression and smooth curve fitting were applied to evaluate the associations between dietary mineral intakes and BMD. Furthermore, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were performed to assess the consistency of these associations across different individual characteristics. A total of 11,520 representative adult participants were included in the study. Tertile-based categorical analysis revealed significant positive correl

[Nutritional deficiencies in women and their impact on thyroid disorders].

Aparicio A, Bermejo LM, Loria-Kohen V, Salas-González MD, López-Sobaler AM · Nutricion hospitalaria · 2025

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones (TH), with a significantly higher prevalence in women. The pathophysiology of this condition is influenced by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, including nutritional imbalances. Several micronutrients, such as iodine, iron, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D, play a key role in the synthesis, peripheral conversion, and action of TH. Women are more vulnerable to these deficiencies due to specific nutritional requirements, which increases their susceptibility to thyroid dysfunction, particularly during stages such as pregnancy or the postpartum period. Current evidence supports the assessment of nutritional status as a complement to conventional pharmacological treatment with levothyroxine (LT4), especially in women with subclinical hypothyroidism or autoimmune thyroid diseases. An appropriate nutritional intervention could play a crucial role in enhancing therapeutic response and

Role of Selenium Intake for Risk and Development of Hyperthyroidism.

Wang Y, Zhao F, Rijntjes E, Wu L, Wu Q, Sui J · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2019 · n=6152

To investigate the importance of dietary selenium (Se) for hyperthyroidism. We performed a more in-depth analysis of a large cross-sectional study of 6152 participants from two counties within the Shaanxi Province, China. These counties are characterized by different habitual Se intake. We investigated the effects of a different dietary Se supply (0.02, 0.18, 0.6, or 2.0 ppm Se) on disease development in a mouse model of Graves disease (GD). The cross-sectional study revealed a comparable prevalence of hyperthyroidism, irrespective of Se intake, in both counties. However, an unexpected sex-specific difference was noted, and Se deficiency might constitute a risk factor for hyperthyroidism, especially in males. In a mouse model, pathological thyroid morphology was affected, and greater Se intake exerted some protecting effects on the pathological distortion. Circulating thyroid hormone levels, malondialdehyde concentrations, total antioxidant capacity, and the titer of GD-causing TSH r

Metabolic syndrome and selenium during gestation and lactation.

Nogales F, Ojeda ML, Del Valle PM, Serrano A, Murillo ML, Carreras Sánchez O · European journal of nutrition · 2017

Selenium (Se) has a dual role in metabolic syndrome (MS) development as it has an antioxidant action against both "good" and "bad" reactive oxygen species. This study evaluates Se body profile in dams which present MS during gestation and lactation, in order to elucidate a normal dietary Se's implication in this pathology. Rats were randomized into control (C) and fructose (F) groups. The rich fructose diet (65 %) during gestation and lactation periods induced MS in dams. Se body distribution was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the hepatic activity of the four antioxidant enzymes and the bimolecular oxidation were determined by spectrophotometry. The cardiac activity was monitored using the indirect tail occlusion method. Lipid and glucidic profile was also analyzed. Despite the fact that the diet supplied has 0.1 ppm of Se, the minimal dietary requirement for rats, F dams ate less amount of food, and therefore, they had lower Se retention. However, t

Selenium

NIH ODS

This fact sheet for health professionals provides comprehensive information on selenium, including its function, intake recommendations, deficiency, toxicity, and dietary sources, with a section on thyroid function.

Selenium Supplementation Treatment in Euthyroid Pregnant Women With Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: Effects on Obstetrical Complications

n=56 · NCT01465867 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

Serum levels of isolated anti-thyroperoxidase (TPOab) and anti-thyreoglobulin (Tgab) autoantibodies are strongly associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and premature deliveries in euthyroid pregnant women. Replacement of thyroxine (LT4) or other supplementations in euthyroid-Ab positivity during pregnancy has not been established. The development of a safe and effective intervention that modulates inappropriate inflammatory responses could be a very important component of prevention against adverse health outcomes during pregnancy. The anti-oxidant Selenium (Se) suppresses autoimmune destruction of thyrocytes and at daily dose of 200 mcg and 100 mcg decreases titers of serum TPOAb and TgAb also in Se-non-deficient patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). The use of Se in AIT has been shown to reduce the incidence of postpartum thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. Women with recurrent pregnancy loss had lower Se levels and Se deficiency has been implicated in the pathogenesis of AIT and in the impairment of T/B cell-mediated immunity. The purpose of the present study is performed to establish the effect of Se supplementation in euthyroid women with AIT (pregnant and in whom embryo transfer is expected within 60 days) on Ab trend, thyroid function and structure, implantation rates, pregnancy rates, pregnancy outcome and number of obstetrical, fetal and neonatal complications.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of a Zinc, Selenium, and L-Tyrosine Supplement in the Prevention of Thyrotoxicosis in Subjects With r25191G/A SEPP1 Polymorphism

n=150 · NCT06264544 · NOT_YET_RECRUITING · NOT_YET_RECRUITING

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of a zinc, selenium, and L-tyrosine supplement in preventing thyrotoxicosis among adults aged 18-85 with elevated TPOAb levels and the r25191G/A SEPP1 polymorphism. The study excludes those with thyroid disease, pregnant/breastfeeding women, and individuals allergic to the supplement. Key endpoints include changes in thyroid antibodies and hormones over a 6-month period. With an estimated sample size of 150 participants per group, accounting for a 20% dropout rate, the trial seeks to demonstrate the supplement's potential in reducing thyrotoxicosis risk through a genetically-informed approach.

Safety and Efficacy of Iodine Supplementation During Pregnancy With and Without Selenium Co-administration: Randomized Controlled Trial

n=300 · NCT03377218 · UNKNOWN · UNKNOWN

In 1994, the WHO and UNICEF Joint Committee on Health Policy recommended Universal Salt Iodization as a safe, cost-effective and sustainable strategy to ensure sufficient intake of iodine by all individuals. However, it is still absent in Latvia. A recent countrywide study in 2013 shows iodine deficiency among pregnant women in Latvia: 81 % of pregnant women had UIC levels below the WHO recommended range of 150-250 mcg/g Cr. Because mild to moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy can adversely affect fetal brain development, WHO-UNICEF and ICCIDD advise an increase in the recommended daily dosage of iodine to 250 mcg/day for pregnant women and breastfeeding women and 150 mcg/day for women in the preconception period. Data from a survey of the Latvian population indicate that approximately 100 mcg of iodine per day is consumed through foods and iodized salt. To meet the increased iodine requirement in pregnancy, pregnant women should take a supplement containing 150 mcg of iodine daily from the earliest time possible. A sudden increase in iodine intake in an iodine-deficient population may increase thyroid autoimmunity. It is evident that thyroid disease has multiple adverse effects during pregnancy and in the developing fetus especially in women with elevated serum anti-thyroid antibody titers. Studies have considered supplementing with selenium to reduce the risk of auto-immune thyroiditis/post-partum autoimmune thyroid disease. Of the 11 trials of selenium supplementation in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, 7 have shown benefit with treatment for 6 months or longer. Aim of study is to approve that 150 mcg of iodine daily improves iodine status in pregnant women and iodine 150 mcg in combination with selenium 100 mcg daily reduce risk of thyroid autoimmunity. Hypothesis of study is that 150 mcg iodine daily during pregnancy improves iodine status. Iodine in combination with selenium is less associated with thyroid autoimmunity. Study design: Pregnant women are randomized for either 150 mcg iodine intake daily or 150 mcg iodine combined with 100 mcg selenium daily. Interventional group is compared with controls without particular iodine supplementation. Participants are asked to complete a questionnaire on dietary habits concerning iodine. Thyroid function (thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine) and thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) and urinary iodine are measured during first, second and third trimester of pregnancy and week 8 after delivery in both, intervention and control group.