Thyroid gland

Selen and Hashimoto

A selenium deficiency increases the susceptibility to thyroiditis – the autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s disease. Every tenth German citizen carries the genetic predisposition for this; women are affected about eight times more than men. The cause of the disease is a misdirected defense reaction of the immune system, which is directed against the thyroid tissue. In the long term, this leads to hypothyroidism. Whether the disease breaks out is influenced by various factors, such as hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, viral infections, and stress. Studies have shown that people with a selenium deficiency are more likely to develop thyroiditis.

Initially, Hashimoto’s disease often causes no symptoms at all. Only as it progresses do the typical symptoms of hypothyroidism develop. These include chronic fatigue, poor performance and muscle weakness, frequent freezing and depressed mood.

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Selenmangel – How big is the risk?