Selenium is essential for the proper functioning of our body, but selenium deficiency is a big problem that particularly affects our region. On the one hand, our staple foods also contain less of this trace element due to the low selenium content in the soil, and on the other hand, we do not consume enough sources rich in selenium (fish, shellfish, heart, liver). In some countries, selenium intake may have been halved over the last 20-30 years, even though this trace element can play a role in preventing many diseases.
Thyroid
Selenium is essential for thyroid hormone function and metabolism, and according to several studies, it can even help treat thyroid disease. In autoimmune thyroiditis, it can reduce inflammation, improve quality of life, and even help treat or prevent hypothyroidism that occurs during or after pregnancy.
Pregnancy
Low selenium levels may also worsen the chances of getting pregnant, according to an Italian study that found that sperm from men with low selenium levels had poorer motility and viability, and in women, a correlation was found between low selenium levels and the risk of miscarriage. Selenium deficiency can quadruple the risk of toxemia of pregnancy, according to a study from England.
Cancers
Previous experience has shown that lower than optimal selenium intake increases the incidence of liver, gallbladder and bile duct cancers, and according to recent studies, selenium supplementation may also have a beneficial effect on changes in early-stage cervical cancer.
This study enrolled women with abnormalities in their cervical tissue. They received either a placebo or 200 µg of selenium daily for 6 months. After 6 months, 88% of the selenium group showed improvement, compared to only 56% of the placebo group. In addition, the selenium group showed other positive changes: decreases in fasting blood sugar and insulin levels, increased insulin sensitivity, and increased HDL (good) cholesterol.
Selenium and the heart
Proteins containing selenium play a key antioxidant role not only in the thyroid gland, but also in the heart. According to an analysis summarizing the results of 25 studies, selenium levels and the risk of coronary artery disease are linked: with high selenium levels, the risk of heart problems is lower.
