Selenium - which type and for how long?

[Silver_Fairy]

I was told to take a selenium supplement by the ophthalmologist as I have TED. I have taken a bog standard supplement by H&B but decided to do a bit of research.

I'm a bit confused as to which I should take.

As with any vitamin/mineral etc surely it shouldn't be taken infinitum in the same amount?

How much to take to get stores up and then how much as a maintenance dose?

Have found indications that it is for under active thyroid issues? (I have Graves)

Any advice please?

[TTLady]

Hi

I'm graves/active TED. My ophthalmologist recommended 4 Brazil's a day instead, much tastier

[Silver_Fairy in reply to TTLady]

I don't like nuts unfortunately

[TTLady in reply to Silver_Fairy]

Not a good alternative for you then

Wishing you well with everything and a speedy journey to stable TED

[Silver_Fairy in reply to TTLady]

Thank you

[tegz in reply to Silver_Fairy]

Two are enough- try chopping/shaving them onto [gluten free] muesli?

[Silver_Fairy in reply to tegz]

I dont like anything like that I'm afraid - nuts, dried fruit, flakes of stuff, urgh sorry!

[tegz in reply to Silver_Fairy]

Just hold your nose and shovel- it IS medical need [& so much better than endless meds in the long run]

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

I think it great that the ophthalmologist recognises selenium. But pretty ridiculous that he didn't press a half a sheet of A4 with some details into your hand.

There are several different sorts - the "mineral" ones like sodium selenite, the yeast ones, selenomethionine, and even a tiny number of foods which have had extra selenium as they grow. The researchers of the world are still pondering the question of which form, how much, and so on. I tend to agree with the Brazil nut approach - but otherwise I think I might take two or more different forms (or a product that is a combination).

Where I depart from some is that I would tend to use smaller doses. Some people suggest 400mcg - I think that is too much long term (though I wouldn't worry for a few months). I'd suggest maybe start at 200 and drop to 100 after a long enough time (e.g. six months or a year).

Rod

[Silver_Fairy in reply to helvella]

Thank you Rod. I was thinking l-selenomethionine and the yeast one in combination. I have been taking 200mcg as advised, for about 6 months now, but label just says selenium so have emailed H&B. I may give it another 6 months before I drop down.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Silver_Fairy]

Whilst I don't like H&B that much (their pricing regime, that they sell so many products of very low active ingredient content, etc.) I do think they are quite good at claiming (or admitting?) what is in their products.

Is this what you are taking?

hollandandbarrett.com/pages...

If so, that says selenomethionine. If not, maybe you can find the actual one on the site?

Rod

[Silver_Fairy in reply to helvella]

There was me thinking my brain fog was better! I looked at the label on mine and looked through the information on the website and could not find which type of selenium! I even looked at other products. I had another look at mine and it is selenium yeast

hollandandbarrett.com/pages...

I will get the other type and take one of each.

I am what is known as a 'fussy eater' and cannot bring myself to eat things i don't like, believe me I would eat the nuts if I could, damn site cheaper!!

[tegz in reply to Silver_Fairy]

Brazil Brownies ?

[tegz in reply to helvella]

The selenium in the soil is apparently badly depleted now. It's so important that taking one or two Brazils a day is good insurance and well below the max tolerated long term. It can be overdone, though which is why larger amounts need monitoring and a break from taking regularly.

I would like to find out my serum level some time.

[Hidden]

I have Hashimoto's and other auto immune diseases. I started a low dose selenium ace and after several months, my antibodies reduced.

I am now on a higher dose 200mg daily for chelation as instructed by holistic dentist who is in the process of replacing all my mercury fillings

[Silver_Fairy in reply to Hidden]

I had read that it was good for Hashimoto (I was going to post the link to the research done but lost the page!)

[thedoghouse]

I have been taking Bio-Selenium + Zinc by Pharma Nord for quite a while now, have found them to be very effective They also contain Vit C, E and B6. The first thing I noticed was that the burning pain in my foot went, came back when I stopped taking them, went away again when I dosed up. The pain has stayed away. I also take their Bio-Vitamin D3 and Magnesium.

I found out about Pharma Nord as nice Dr. Chris on This Morning recommended their C0Q10. If only we all had a GP like him. They aren't the cheapest but I do have faith that they actually work, unlike some other brands.