Selenium Supplementation for Patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Authors

Carla B. Shamblen PA-C, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Family Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Mark Archambault

Abstract

Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), is a chronic autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) that causes patients to experience symptoms of thyroid dysfunction and the effects of the autoimmune process itself.¹ Five to ten percent of patients with HT report persistent fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and decreased psychological or general well-being despite a normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) with replacement levothyroxine (L-thyroxine).^2,3 The explanation for persistent symptoms remains unclear. Theories include an inability to establish therapeutic levels of replacement thyroid hormone in all tissues³ and inadequate L-thyroxine conversion to triiodothyronine (T₃).^2,4 However, we should also consider the effects of circulating antithyroid antibodies and selenium on antibody titers.^5,6 This article will review the relationship between antithyroid antibodies and HT, the extra-thyroidal effects of elevated circulating antibodies, and the current research involving selenium’s influence on thyroid antibody titers.

Recommended Citation

Shamblen CB. Selenium Supplementation for Patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(3).