Selenium is a trace mineral essential to our health and wellbeing. Among many other important roles in our body, it contributes to DNA synthesis, boosts our immune system and keeps our thyroid health in check. Selenium may also protect us from a host of chronic diseases. At the same time, high doses of this mineral can be toxic. As such, you may be wondering whether it is actually a good idea to supplement it.
According to the Hormones journal, the health effects of selenium have often been characterized by a U-shaped relationship. That is, both low and high doses of this trace mineral can increase mortality. Certain individuals may tolerate lower or higher intakes better than others, while exposure to a high selenium intake from a very young age may alter the composition of the gut microbes, which in turn can reduce its toxicity.
Selenium supplementation may play a role in several thyroid disorders. According to a review published in the Thyroid journal, it can decrease circulating thyroid autoantibodies in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, a condition that often leads to an underactive thyroid. Gut healthMore recently, scientists have been exploring the link between selenium and gut health. According to the Frontiers in Nutrition journal, gut bacteria may improve the bioavailability of this trace mineral in our digestive system. At the same time, selenium may be crucial to balancing our gut microbiota, and not getting enough of it may result in an increased number of bacteria linked to cancers, thyroid dysfunction, inflammation, and cardiovascular disorders.