Selenium - which type and for how long? - Thyroid UK

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Selenium - which type and for how long?

Silver_Fairy profile image
16 Replies

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?

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Silver_Fairy profile image
Silver_Fairy
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16 Replies
TTLady profile image
TTLady

Hi

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

Silver_Fairy profile image
Silver_Fairy in reply to TTLady

I don't like nuts unfortunately :(

TTLady profile image
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 profile image
Silver_Fairy in reply to TTLady

Thank you :)

tegz profile image
tegz in reply to Silver_Fairy

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

Silver_Fairy profile image
Silver_Fairy in reply to tegz

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

tegz profile image
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 profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid 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 profile image
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 profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid 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 profile image
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 profile image
tegz in reply to Silver_Fairy

Brazil Brownies ? ;)

tegz profile image
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.

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 profile image
Silver_Fairy in reply to

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 profile image
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.

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