Another mineral that is particularly important for the metabolism of thyroid hormones is selenium, mainly known for its antioxidant function. It is in fact an integral part of glutathione peroxidase, one of the most important endogenous weapons against free radicals, in other words a precious bulwark in defense of the vital components of the cell from oxidative stress.
For this action, selenium is more or less correctly recommended for its possible anti-aging, anti-tumor and protective properties against cardiovascular diseases of atherosclerotic origin. Few, however, know the importance of selenium for proper thyroid function.This relatively recent scientific evidence is based on the discovery of the role of selenium in the conversion of T4 (thyroxine) to T3 (triiodothyronine).
and T3 are the abbreviations used to indicate the two hormones produced by the thyroid, with reference to the number of iodine atoms present in their structure.
Among these, triiodothyronine - despite being lower in iodine - is much more active from a biological point of view than thyroxine.
Therefore, since selenium - in the form of seleniocysteine - is an integral part of the deiodinases that catalyze the conversion of T4 into T3 at various levels, an "adequate availability of this mineral is essential for proper thyroid function.
, but also of autoimmune pathologies affecting the thyroid gland (autoimmune thyroiditis).The biological basis of these effects can be traced back both to the participation of selenium in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, and to its antioxidant and anti-radical action, which is precious for combating inflammatory phenomena related to many diseases of well-being. Not surprisingly, the activity of glutathione peroxidase is also fundamental at the thyroid level, where it neutralizes the cytotoxic effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced as a cofactor in the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
richer in selenium we remember fish and seafood, offal, cereals, dried fruit, brewer's yeast and vegetables (in particular broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, garlic, onions).
The selenium content in plant foods is however proportional to the concentration of the mineral in the soil, therefore extremely variable from one region to another of the world.
