What is the Impact of Selenium and Zinc on Thyroid Health?
Many of the clients we see in clinic have suboptimal function of the thyroid. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck and it’s functions include:
Regulating metabolism
Heart function
Digestion
Muscle control
Bone maintenance
Mood regulation
Brain development
Several nutrients contribute to thyroid health - here I am discussing Selenium and Zinc.
Selenium
Selenium is an essential mineral that must be obtained through the diet. It is required in small amounts but plays a crucial role in important bodily processes, including metabolism and thyroid function. You can find selenium in Brazil nuts, fish, ham, pork, beef, turkey, chicken, eggs, brown rice, mushrooms, oatmeal, spinach, lentils, cashews, bananas, dairy products, and enriched food products.
Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant, which protects against oxidative damage and infections and helps defend your body from chronic conditions, such as heart disease and cancer. It is important to monitor selenium levels, especially for those with digestive issues such as Celiac disease or Crohn's disease, who may have difficulty absorbing nutrients. Including foods rich in selenium in your diet can help reduce levels of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Selenium and Thyroid
Selenium is also vital to thyroid health and the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. Thyroid tissue contains a higher amount of selenium than any other organ in the human body. Selenium is a mineral that works together with iodine to activate three different selenium-dependent iodothyronine deiodinases. These deiodinases can then activate or deactivate thyroid hormones. This process is crucial for normal growth, development, and metabolism. Not having enough selenium can cause hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, an enlarged thyroid (goiter), thyroid cancer, and Graves' disease. (1)
A study with 1900 participants found that there is an inverse relationship between serum selenium concentrations and thyroid volume. The study also observed that selenium has a protective effect against goiter and thyroid tissue damage. However, these results were significant only for the women participants. (2)
Other research was conducted on the effects of selenium on Graves' orbitopathy, a thyroid eye disease that occurs due to an overactive thyroid gland. The study compared the effects of selenium treatment with the effects of pentoxifylline, an anti-inflammatory drug. The group treated with selenium reported an improvement in their quality of life, a reduction in ocular involvement, and a slower progression of Graves' orbitopathy as compared to the group treated with pentoxifylline (3).
Zinc
Zinc is another trace element that is essential for growth, development, and a healthy immune system. Zinc also has a major impact on the nervous and reproductive systems (4).
Zinc is naturally found in a wide variety of both plant and animal foods including beef, lamb, pork, shellfish, legumes, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, squash seeds, sesame seeds, pine nuts, peanuts, cashews, almonds, eggs, whole grains, potatoes, green beans, kale, dark chocolate, and dairy products.
Zinc and the Thyroid
Zinc is important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. At the same time, thyroid hormones are needed for the absorption of zinc in the body. Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, can lead to zinc deficiency. This, in turn, worsens the functioning of the thyroid gland, leading to a vicious cycle of lower zinc levels. Even when hypothyroid clients are treated with thyroid replacement hormones, they may still experience hair loss. To improve their condition, zinc supplements may be needed in addition to hormone therapy. (5)
Testing for Thyroid Health
To maintain optimal thyroid health, we suggest testing your levels of important trace elements. We can work with you to address any deficiencies and supplement appropriately, without exceeding safe levels of selenium or zinc. Ensuring your optimal selenium and zinc levels will not only improve your thyroid health but also contribute to your overall health and well-being. For more information and to speak with a practitioner please book a one-to-one consultation.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19594417/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12611611/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21591944/