Search for relevant indications for selenium supplementation in thyroid diseases.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science
• Thyroidology

Background:

• Selenium is crucial for thyroid hormone metabolism and antioxidant defense.
• Selenium deficiency is linked to various thyroid dysfunctions.
• Previous studies on selenium supplementation for thyroid disease yielded inconsistent results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the relevance and efficacy of selenium supplementation in managing thyroid diseases.
• To evaluate the impact of selenium on autoimmune thyroiditis, nodular goitre, thyroid cancer, and orbitopathy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on selenium supplementation and thyroid disorders.
• Analysis of studies investigating clinical outcomes in patients receiving selenium.
• Evaluation of recommendations from expert groups like the European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO).

Main Results:

• No robust evidence supports selenium supplementation for clinical improvement in autoimmune thyroiditis, nodular goitre, or thyroid cancer.
• Emerging evidence suggests selenium may be effective in treating thyroid orbitopathy.
• The European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) recommends selenium for mild active orbitopathy.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence does not support routine selenium supplementation for most common thyroid conditions.
• Selenium supplementation shows promise for managing mild active Graves' orbitopathy.
• Further research is needed to clarify selenium's role in specific thyroid conditions.