Synopsis

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

Selenocysteine is the amino acid form of selenium, a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in thyroid function. Selenium is an essential component of several selenoproteins, including glutathione peroxidases and iodothyronine deiodinases, which are involved in antioxidant defense and thyroid hormone metabolism, respectively. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune thyroid disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and progressive destruction of thyroid tissue, often leading to hypothyroidism.

There is moderate scientific evidence supporting the use of selenium supplementation (typically as selenomethionine or sodium selenite, not directly as selenocysteine) to improve thyroid autoimmunity. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that selenium supplementation can reduce thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) levels in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. However, the clinical significance of this reduction is debated, as improvements in thyroid function or symptoms are inconsistent across studies.

The European Thyroid Association has acknowledged some benefit in selenium supplementation, especially in regions with low selenium intake, but does not universally recommend it due to insufficient evidence of long-term clinical benefit. Currently, while selenium (and by extension, selenocysteine as a selenoprotein constituent) has a mechanistic rationale and some supportive studies, the overall quality and consistency of evidence is moderate, justifying a score of 3 out of 5.

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