Selenium is an essential mineral that is found in significant amounts in brazil nuts. It is most well-known for its role in activating thyroid hormones, as it is a necessary co-factor for the proper conversion of the less active thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4), into the metabolically active triiodothyronine (T3). Without selenium, the metabolically inactive reverse T3 (rT3) is created instead, putting our bodies into a disadvantageous metabolic state. In fact, the thyroid gland contains the highest concentrations of selenium per unit weight in the body.
Various clinical trials have documented selenium’s ability to improve clinical markers of poor thyroid function. Appropriate selenium supplementation has been shown to reduce thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), increase well-being and improve mood in those with poor thyroid function. Selenomethionine has also been demonstrated to support women during and after pregnancy with positive anti-TPO antibodies during and after pregnancy in women with positive anti-TPO markers.
Selenium is also needed for proper immune function in the body. Selenium-deficient states show increases in viral replication and disease progression. Conversely, selenium supplementation has been shown to increase T-cell production and natural killer cell activity, supporting the body’s defense against foreign invaders.
Finally, selenium plays a crucial role in upregulating the master antioxidant glutathione through the activation of glutathione peroxidase. This may explain why selenium supplementation has been shown to positively impact fertility through improved sperm cell development and function. Ensuring optimal glutathione production also has important implications for the body’s detoxification systems on a cellular level.
Seleno-Sorb by Cyto-Matrix contains 200mcg of selenomethionine per vegetable capsule. Selenomethionine is an organic compound and the predominant form of selenium found naturally in foods. Selenomethionine is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and plays a pivotal role in regulating the thyroid, the immune system and detoxification pathways.
