
Clinical trials have not found that selenium supplements reduce the risk of CVD or cardiac death however these trials were small and included people who were not likely selenium deficient at the start of the study. Observational studies have shown that people with both low and high selenium exposure (based on dietary intake and blood levels) have an increased risk of CVD. However, both cohort studies and clinical trials have shown mixed results regarding the relationship of selenium and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
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Selenoproteins help to protect cell membranes from damage by free radicals and keep blood platelets from becoming sticky, both of which can lead to heart disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine controlled trials did not find that selenium supplements changed thyroid hormone function in people with ATD, nor did a Cochrane review. The role of selenium supplementations for people with autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD) is still unclear. Other studies have shown selenium to decrease the amount of these antibodies and promote the activity of selenoproteins, which work to decrease inflammation. Supplements have not been shown to significantly affect thyroid function in people with normal thyroid or mild hypothyroidism, despite causing increased blood levels of selenium. Randomized controlled trials studying selenium supplementation show mixed results. Both of these conditions cause the body to create antibodies that attack the thyroid gland, leading to an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). If the body does not have enough selenium, it can lead to autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease. There are high concentrations of selenium in the thyroid gland, where there are several selenium-containing enzymes regulating thyroid function. Īdditional research is needed on the association of selenium and cancer before making specific dietary recommendations. Further research is needed to replicate this finding. In addition, some of the trials noted a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes with long-term use of selenium supplements (about 7 years) who had normal selenium blood levels at the start the of study. Yet, the authors cautioned about weaknesses in the meta-analysis since there were differences among the study populations and possible inaccuracy when assessing dietary selenium (regional differences in the selenium content of food was not accounted for).Īnother Cochrane review of 83 randomized placebo-controlled trials did not find that selenium supplementation reduced the risk of any cancer type. These have antioxidant properties that help to break down peroxides, which can damage tissues and DNA, leading to inflammation and other health problems.Ī Cochrane review of 13 prospective observational studies showed a 31% reduced risk of cancer and 45% reduced risk of deaths from cancer in the groups with the highest selenium intakes or blood levels compared with the lowest selenium levels, particularly in men. Selenium is a component of selenoproteins and enzymes. UL: The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for selenium for all adults 19+ years of age and pregnant and lactating women is 400 micrograms daily a UL is the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause harmful effects on health. Women who are pregnant and lactating need about 60 and 70 micrograms daily, respectively. RDA: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adult men and women 19+ years of age is 55 micrograms daily. Most selenium in the body is stored in muscle tissue, although the thyroid gland holds the highest concentration of selenium due to various selenoproteins that assist with thyroid function.

Selenium is an essential component of various enzymes and proteins, called selenoproteins, that help to make DNA and protect against cell damage and infections these proteins are also involved in reproduction and the metabolism of thyroid hormones.


It is found naturally in foods or as a supplement. Selenium is a trace mineral, which means that the body only needs a small amount of it.
