Evidence supporting the use of: Selenium
For the health condition: Goiter

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a critical role in thyroid hormone metabolism and antioxidant defense. Its use in the management of goiter, particularly in regions with concurrent iodine deficiency, has a scientific basis, but the overall evidence supporting selenium supplementation for goiter is limited and mixed.

Scientific studies show that selenium is required for the proper function of the enzyme iodothyronine deiodinase, which converts thyroxine (T4) to the more active triiodothyronine (T3). Selenium deficiency can impair this process, potentially affecting thyroid function. Some interventional studies, especially in areas with both iodine and selenium deficiencies, suggest that selenium supplementation may modestly reduce goiter size or improve thyroid function. For example, a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in children and adults have demonstrated slight reductions in thyroid volume with combined iodine and selenium supplementation, compared to iodine alone.

However, systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that the benefit of selenium supplementation in goiter is small and not consistently demonstrated, especially where selenium deficiency is not a major public health concern. The European Thyroid Association and other expert bodies recommend selenium supplementation only in select cases (e.g., autoimmune thyroiditis) and not routinely for goiter. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited evidence supporting selenium’s role in thyroid health, its use specifically for goiter is only weakly validated, and supplementation should be considered cautiously.

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