Thyroid hormones, particularly the active thyroid hormone T3, affect nearly every physiologic process in the body. Think of that. Thyroid hormones affect virtually every process in the body. Have you ever wondered how that might be? You are no doubt familiar with the term DNA (DeoxyriboNucleic Acid). It is the molecule in our cells that contains the genetic code that directs how we are built and how we function. Thyroid hormones affect the transcription and utilization of the directions encoded in the DNA. In every cell of the body, thyroid hormones bind to receptors on the nucleus and thereby affect the transcription of DNA. So just like DNA is at the heart of every cell, thyroid hormones are critical for the proper function of every cell. If there’s not enough thyroid hormone stimulation of the cell then there won’t be enough DNA transcription and the cell won’t function optimally. Thyroid hormones help your energy levels, and help you maintain healthy organs and a normal temperature so that all the other biochemical activities can occur efficiently. There are also some minerals that are very important for thyroid health.
Iodine
Iodine is absolutely essential to thyroid health—the numbers in the T3 and T4 hormones that the thyroid produces refer to the number of iodine atoms attached to the hormone. Without the iodine, your thyroid just can’t produce enough of these thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency, especially during pregnancy, appears to be quite common. Sufficient iodine is essential for the proper development of the brain and intellect of the fetus and new born babies. Using iodized salt is a good practice to follow. Women tend to have greater rates of iodine deficiency—and not surprisingly, women also tend to have higher rates of thyroid disorders! 1,2
Around the world, approximately 1,572 million people are estimated to be at risk of iodine deficiency. Most of these people are in developing countries, but there are many with inadequate iodine intake in the US as well.2 The daily reference intakes (DRI) for adults is120-150 mcg of iodine a day, while for pregnant women, the DRI is 220 mcg a day. You should know, though, that the DRI’s are designed to prevent only deficiency—they are not necessarily the amounts needed for optimal health.
Selenium
Selenium is another mineral that is absolutely vital to thyroid health.3-6 Selenium is incorporated into some very important biological systems that are involved in preventing the damage caused by free radicals—these selenium-containing proteins act as anti-oxidants. Selenium is mainly found in plant sources like leafy greens and other vegetables. But, there are many areas around the world where the soil is selenium deficient—and the plants grown in that soil are therefore low in selenium. In fact, selenium deficiency was first described in the Keshan region of China. There a type of heart disease, Keshan disease, was found to be related to the low levels of selenium in the soil. (The selenium RDA for adults ranges from 55-70 mcg per day.)
Selenium is also more directly involved in thyroid health7—selenium is also a component of enzymes required to make T3.8 So, in people with selenium deficiency, one of the results can be lower amounts of T3. Finally, if a person is both iodine AND selenium deficient, the thyroid problems can get even worse—this is why in so many supplements, both selenium and iodine are included. Selenium has been shown to reduce TPO antibodies (like those found in Hashimoto’s disease) in some cases.
1. Leung AM, Pearce EN, Braverman LE. Iodine nutrition in pregnancy and lactation. Endocrinology & Metabolism Clinics of North America 2011;40:765-77.
2. de Benoist B, Andersson M, Takkouche B, Egli I. Prevalence of iodine deficiency worldwide… Vitti P, Delange F, Pinchera A et al. Europe is iodine deficient. Lancet 2003;361:1226. Lancet 2003;362:1859-60.
3. Erdal M, Sahin M, Hasimi A, Uckaya G, Kutlu M, Saglam K. Trace element levels in hashimoto thyroiditis patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Biological Trace Element Research 2008;123:1-7.
4. Ware J, Zhou Z, Romero-Weaver A, Wan X, Newberne P, Kennedy A. Effects of Selenomethionine in Irradiated Human Thyroid Epithelial Cells and Tumorigenicity Studies. Nutrition & Cancer 2011;63:1114-21.
5. Patrick L. Selenium Biochemistry and Cancer: A Review of the Literature. Alternative Medicine Review 2004;9:239-58.
6. Gill HG. Selenium, immune function and resistance to viral infections. Nutrition & Dietetics 2008;65:S41-S7.
7. Corvilain B, Contempre B, Longombe A, et al. Selenium and the thyroid: How the relationship was established. Am J Clin Nutr 1993;57:244S-8S.
8. Arthur J. The role of selenium in thyroid hormone metabolism. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1991 69:1648-52.
I have Congenital hypothyroidism. I am now coming to the age of 42. Because I have had this condition most of my Life I have been taking thyroxine. I have recently completed a Btec Applied Science medical level 2 course. I am even more interested. My area of particular interested in is DNA and Genetics. Of which I have books on posters on my room wall. And text books and a book full of my own notes on my understanding of the subject of DNA and Genetics. Because I have traits of autism spectrum. It is a benefit not a curse. As I am getting better acquainted with the subject. Though I don’t have a laboratory my research is mostly notes and internet researched as well as books.