Selenium cures thyroid disorders
7.0Moderate
evidence
evidence
The Claim
Many believe that selenium can cure thyroid disorders, particularly Hashimoto's thyroiditis, due to its involvement in thyroid hormone metabolism and immune function.
Origin
This myth is fueled by some studies that indicated selenium supplementation might reduce thyroid antibodies in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
What Science Says
Research, including several RCTs, shows selenium can reduce thyroid antibodies, but it does not cure thyroid disorders. The clinical significance of reducing antibodies without clear improvement in thyroid function or symptoms remains uncertain, and the evidence is not robust enough to recommend selenium as a cure.
Verdict
Misleading
Sources
- PMID:30208979 Multiple nutritional factors and thyroid disease, with particular reference to autoimmune thyroid disease.
- PMID:41384622 Selenium supplementation in individuals with newly diagnosed Graves' hyperthyroidism: a double-blind, multi-centre RCT.
- PMID:33894732 The correlation between selenium levels and autoimmune thyroid disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.