Selenium and the Endocrine System

Researchers looked at the element selenium and its effects on the endocrine system. They made a number of interesting findings:

• Components of selenium known as selenoenzymes modify cell function, act as an antioxidant and modify thyroid hormone metabolism.
• Selenium helps with production of 3,5,3'-tri-iodothyronine (known as T3).
• Selenium can help modify the immune response in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
• Low sperm production and poor sperm quality can result from selenium deficiency.
• Selenium can mimic the effects of insulin in the body, and in animal studies, selenium has not only restored glycemic control, but prevented or alleviated the adverse effects that diabetes has on the heart, kidneys and blood.

Source: Beckett GJ, Arthur JR. "Selenium and endocrine systems." J Endocrinol. 2005 Mar;184(3):455-65. Link to article

READ MORE ABOUT SELENIUM AND THE THYROID

• Selenium Critical to General Health and Thyroid Function
• Selenium Supplementation in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis Decreases Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies Concentrations
• Selenium's Protective Powers for the Thyroid