Selenium Need

Selenium is a trace mineral that, while required in only small amounts, plays an outsized role in maintaining human health. This essential micronutrient contributes to antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone activation, DNA synthesis, and immune function. A deficiency in selenium, though often overlooked, can impact multiple organ systems and may increase the risk of chronic disease.
At Intercoastal Health, we take a functional medicine approach to micronutrient evaluation—including trace minerals like selenium. We consider not only serum levels but also the clinical context, physiological demand, and signs of oxidative stress or endocrine dysfunction. Our goal is to identify deficiencies before they evolve into complex disorders and intervene with targeted, personalized strategies.

The Role of Selenium in Human Physiology

Selenium is best known for its role in the function of glutathione peroxidases (GPx)—a family of selenium-dependent enzymes that protect cells from oxidative damage. It is also essential for:

• Thyroid hormone metabolism: Selenium-containing enzymes convert T4 into active T3, impacting thyroid function.
  
• Immune response: Enhances the activity of natural killer cells and T-cell proliferation.
  
• Reproductive health: Supports sperm motility and antioxidant protection.
  
• DNA synthesis and repair: Shields genetic material from oxidative injury.
  
  

Without adequate selenium, cellular resilience declines, thyroid conversion is hindered, and the immune system may struggle to mount an appropriate response.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Selenium Deficiency

Early selenium deficiency can be subtle. Common signs include:

• Fatigue and muscle weakness
  
• Cold intolerance or features of hypothyroidism
  
• Hair loss and brittle nails
  
• Frequent infections or slow recovery from illness
  
• Cognitive changes such as brain fog
  
• Infertility or hormonal imbalances
  
• Delayed wound healing
  
  

These nonspecific symptoms often precede overt disease, underscoring the need for functional evaluation.

Selenium and the Thyroid Connection

The thyroid gland contains more selenium per gram of tissue than any other organ. Selenium is necessary for:

• Conversion of T4 to T3 via iodothyronine deiodinase
  
• Protection of thyroid cells from oxidative damage
  
• Modulation of autoimmune thyroid disorders
  
  

Selenium deficiency has been linked to worsened Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, with increased thyroid peroxidase antibodies and reduced active hormone levels.

Diagnostic Evaluation: Identifying Selenium Deficiency

At Intercoastal Health, we combine clinical history with functional laboratory testing.

Because selenium works synergistically with iodine, zinc, vitamin E, and glutathione, a comprehensive nutrient panel may be indicated.

Causes and Risk Factors for Selenium Deficiency

• Dietary insufficiency: Low-selenium soils, limited intake of Brazil nuts, seafood, and organ meats
  
• Malabsorption: Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, chronic diarrhea, or post-bariatric surgery
  
• Increased demand: Pregnancy, lactation, chronic inflammation, or infection
  
• Oxidative burden: Heavy metal exposure (mercury, cadmium) can deplete available selenium
  
  

Clinical Conditions Associated with Selenium Deficiency

Persistent deficiency has been linked to:

1. Keshan Disease: A cardiomyopathy endemic in selenium-poor regions.
   
2. Kashin-Beck Disease: An osteochondropathy highlighting selenium’s role in bone health.
   
3. Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders: Elevated TPO antibodies and impaired thyroid function.
   
4. Cancer Risk: Low selenium status correlates with higher incidence of prostate, lung, colon, and liver cancers.
   
5. Immune Impairment: Poor outcomes in viral infections, including HIV and COVID-19, have been associated with low selenium.
   
   

Functional Medicine Strategies to Optimize Selenium Status

1. Dietary Counseling:
   
   • Brazil nuts (1–2 daily for ~200 mcg selenium)
     
   • Wild-caught tuna, sardines, turkey, beef liver, eggs
     
   • Address GI inflammation or gluten sensitivity
     
2. Supplementation (if indicated):
   
   • Selenomethionine, 100–200 mcg/day, tailored by lab trends
     
   • Monitor to avoid toxicity (>400 mcg/day)
     
3. Support Antioxidant Networks:
   
   • Co-supplement vitamin E, glutathione, zinc
     
   • N-acetylcysteine or sulfur-rich foods for intracellular defense
     
4. Thyroid and Immune Modulation:
   
   • Correct coexisting iodine or iron deficiency
     
   • Manage autoimmune triggers through diet, stress reduction, and environmental detoxification
     
     

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Patients with supplementation or underlying conditions should undergo periodic re-evaluation:

• Repeat serum selenium and RBC GPx activity
  
• Thyroid panels (Free T4, Free T3)
  
• Clinical assessment of energy, hair/skin health, and infection frequency

Further Reading

• Rayman MP. “The importance of selenium to human health.” The Lancet. 2000;356(9225):233–241.
  
• Köhrle J. “The selenoenzyme family of deiodinase: roles in thyroid hormone activation and inactivation.” Thyroid. 1996;6(3):255–261.
  
• Huang Z, Rose AH, Hoffmann PR. “The role of selenium in inflammation and immunity: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities.” Antioxid Redox Signal. 2012;16(7):705–743.
  
• Rayman MP, Stranges S. “Epidemiology of selenium and human health.” Met Ions Life Sci. 2013;13:359–386.
  
  

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation by a functional medicine nurse practitioner in Florida facilitates identification of cellular-level and molecular imbalances underlying selenium insufficiency. By integrating evidence-based therapies with IV therapy and regenerative medicine services—where antioxidant support and cellular resilience are paramount—we offer patients a regenerative, preventive framework to restore micronutrient balance and whole-body vitality. Call (904) 799-2531 or schedule online.