Kelly.oconnor: Created

2025-05-07T23:45:46Z

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== What Does It Mean? ==
Selenium is a vital trace mineral that plays a key role in thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense, and immune system function. A deficiency can impair thyroid function, increase oxidative stress, and lead to systemic dysfunctions such as fatigue, cognitive decline, and weakened immune response.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes: ===

* Poor Dietary Intake – Insufficient selenium-rich foods such as Brazil nuts, seafood, and organ meats.
* Gastrointestinal Disorders – Conditions like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease impair selenium absorption.
* Excessive Oxidative Stress – Chronic inflammation increases selenium demand.
* Heavy Metal Toxicity – Mercury and cadmium can deplete selenium levels.
* Chronic Illness & Thyroid Dysfunction – Selenium is critical for thyroid hormone conversion and immune support.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Fatigue and muscle weakness
* Hair thinning and brittle nails
* Cognitive decline and poor concentration
* Increased susceptibility to infections
* Impaired thyroid function (hypothyroid symptoms)
* Cardiovascular irregularities

=== Lab Test Findings ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|'''Expected Change'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|Free T3 : Free T4 Ratio
|Decreased
|2.40-2.70 Ratio
|-
|Selenium, Serum
|Decreased
|70.00-121.00 ug/L
|-
|T3 - Uptake
|Decreased
|27.00-35.00 %
|-
|T3, Free (Triiodothyronine)
|Decreased
|3.00-3.50 pg/mL
|-
|T3, Total
|Decreased
|90.00-168.00 ng/dL
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==

=== Functional Medicine Approach: ===
Correcting selenium deficiency involves optimizing dietary intake, enhancing absorption, and using targeted supplementation.

=== Supplement Protocol: ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Vita-Thyro
|Provides essential selenium and other thyroid-supportive nutrients
|2 capsules with or without food, twice daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Increase Selenium-Rich Foods: Brazil nuts, seafood, eggs, sunflower seeds, and mushrooms.
* Reduce Oxidative Stress: Increase antioxidant intake from vitamin C, E, and glutathione precursors.
* Improve Gut Health: Support digestive function with probiotics and enzyme therapy to enhance selenium absorption.
* Minimize Exposure to Heavy Metals: Avoid mercury-containing seafood and environmental toxins that can deplete selenium.

Selenium Deficiency - Revision history

Kelly.oconnor: Created