Selenium

Selenium is a mineral. Although toxic in large amounts, trace amounts of selenium are necessary for cellular function in many organisms, including all animals. Selenium is an ingredient in many multivitamins and other dietary supplements.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Selenium has been used in treating Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism). It has been shown to decrease thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO) levels, and can be used in conjunction with Levothyroxine for thyroid treatment.

Evidence
In mice, selenium deficiency resulted in more severe damage following Coxsackie B3 infection than in selenium-adequate mice.

Learn more

 * Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center - Selenium