The Importance of Selenium for Health and its Effect on the Thyroid Gland

The Importance of Selenium for Health

Selenium is an essential trace element that is of great importance for the human body. It plays a vital role in the function of the immune system, the thyroid gland, and reproductive functions.

The Effect of Selenium on the Thyroid Gland

Selenium is essential for healthy thyroid function. It supports the production of thyroid hormones and acts as an antioxidant that protects the thyroid gland from oxidative stress.

The EU Health Claim for Selenium

The EU Health Claim states that selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system and supports thyroid function.

Scientific Justification of the Health Claim

The Health Claim is based on extensive scientific studies confirming the positive effects of selenium on health. A 2011 study found that adequate selenium intake is associated with an improved immune response.

Positive Effects of Selenium According to Studies

• A 2015 study showed that selenium can improve thyroid function in people with thyroid diseases.
• Another study from 2018 found that selenium, as an antioxidant, can help reduce oxidative stress in the thyroid gland.

Sources and Scientific Evidence

1. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to selenium. EFSA Journal. 2009;7(9):1229.

2. Rayman MP. Selenium and human health. The Lancet. 2012;379(9822):1256-1268.

3. Wichman J, Winther KH, Bonnema SJ, Hegedüs L. Selenium supplementation significantly reduces thyroid autoantibody levels in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Thyroid. 2016;26(12):1681-1692.

4. Negro R, Greco G, Mangieri T, Pezzarossa A, Dazzi D, Hassan H. The influence of selenium supplementation on postpartum thyroid status in pregnant women with thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2007;92(4):1263-1268.