Selenium, which is a metalloid, is involved in many crucial functions that take place in the body. It is found in trace amounts in the human body, but when taken in excess, it can become toxic. The main beneficial effects of selenium are its antioxidant properties. It is also an important element for the production of thyroid hormones as well as the action of thyroid hormones in your body. This explains why selenium is important for optimal metabolism and for optimal thyroid health. In addition, selenium helps the immune system work in a balanced way and even the production of antibodies are somewhat effected by selenium.
Deficiency in selenium intake has been correlated with cancer as well as disturbances of muscular functions and reproductive functions. For instance, selenium deficiency can contribute to infertility issues and studies have shown that supplementation with selenium can increase fertility among patients struggling with infertility issues. Selenium deficiency can also contribute to the occurrence of spontaneous abortions. Selenium also plays in important role in sperm production and testosterone production. Selenium deficiency can also affect the heart and the liver. Selenium is, generally speaking, taken up by plants and the selenium content in foods depends on the soil content of selenium. For this reason and other reasons, some people may not have an adequate intake of selenium.
GI inflammation can also contribute to deficiency of selenium in the body. Selenium supplementation, in the right amounts, seems to be the most prudent and most effective way to prevent and/or correct selenium deficiency. Selenium supplementation has also tremendous benefits in patients suffering from autoimmunity. For example, selenium supplementation has been shown to reduce immune system attack on the thyroid in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. Chose a supplement that contains appropriate amounts of selenium either as just a selenium supplement or selenium included in a mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and other ingredients that can help you with your metabolism as well as the health of your thyroid and your immune system.