Selenium is an important part of the iodine supplementing protocol.  It is needed by the thyroid gland to convert iodine to iodide and create thyroid hormones.  It is instrumental in assisting in the detox process of the body.  Just to name a few things as there are much more!

Should I start “loading up” on selenium before I start taking iodine?  Probably not a good idea.   The iodine doctors I have watched through my own personal experience and reports of patients of these doctors have confirmed that what I teach – to start all supplements at once – is what they do as well.

This research article suggests that  you can cause impaired function of the thyroid gland by supplementing with selenium when in an iodine deficient state.

“two months of selenium supplementation was shown to modify the serum thyroid hormones parameters in clinically euthyroid subjects and to induce a dramatic fall of the already impaired thyroid function in clinically hypothyroid subjects.”    Read the abstract.

Pregnancy:

Selenium is critical from week 12 of pregnancy until 12 mos postpartum – adding 200 mcg of Se per day helps to protect from autoimmune thyroid conditions.  Read more here.

Lab Tests:

The best test for determining your selenium levels is the RBC Se test.   This is a red blood cell test.  This test is available through Quest Diagnostics (not in NY however).

What do you do with the results?  This is a common concern among my Iodine Group members.  This is where common sense prevails if you are not working with a knowledgeable practitioner.   Please note that these guidelines are not intended to be medical advice but how I approach my own tests.

Midrange – I’m doing great!  Keep doing what I’m doing and recheck in a year.

Upper end of the range – Cut back a little and retest in 6 mos – 1 year.

Over the top of the range – I stop my supplementing and recheck in 6 mos – 1 year to see how my levels are going.

** It’s a good idea to keep up with testing if you are supplementing so that you do not reach toxic levels.

The best forms:

The best forms of selenium that I have found through research are the L-Methylselenocysteine and Selenomethionine.  Normal intake of selenium is 100-400 mcg per day depending on your specific health needs.