Relationship: Grave's Disease and selenium

Evidence supporting the use of: Selenium
For the health condition: Grave's Disease

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Selenium has scientific support for its use in the management of Graves' Disease, particularly for its subtype, Graves' orbitopathy (also known as thyroid eye disease). Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that selenium supplementation can improve quality of life, reduce ocular involvement, and slow progression of mild Graves' orbitopathy. The proposed mechanism is related to selenium's role as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, which help reduce oxidative stress in thyroid and orbital tissues. Elevated oxidative stress is believed to contribute to both hyperthyroidism and the eye complications seen in Graves’ Disease.

The most influential study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2011, where selenium supplementation (100 mcg twice daily for 6 months) significantly improved eye symptoms and prevented progression compared to placebo. Meta-analyses and clinical guidelines now suggest considering selenium supplementation, especially in areas of marginal selenium status.

However, evidence is strongest for Graves’ orbitopathy, not for the underlying hyperthyroidism itself. Routine use of selenium in all Graves’ Disease patients is not universally recommended, and benefits may be limited in regions with adequate selenium intake. Overall, the evidence base is moderate (score 3/5), with ongoing research further refining which patients are most likely to benefit.

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Other ingredients used for Grave's Disease

licorice root
selenium
vitamin D
bugleweed

Other health conditions supported by selenium

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Aging (prevention)
Alzheimer's Disease
Arrhythmia
Athlete's Foot
Autoimmune Disorders
Bell's Palsy
Blood Poisoning
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemical Poisoning
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Dementia
Depression
Eye Problems
Free Radical Damage
Goiter
Grave's Disease
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hepatitis
Infection
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function

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Evidence supporting the use of: Selenium
For the health condition: Grave's Disease

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Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Grave's Disease

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: SeleniumFor the health condition: Grave's Disease

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Grave's Disease

Other health conditions supported by selenium

Products containing selenium

Evidence supporting the use of: Selenium
For the health condition: Grave's Disease