Top 10 Best Selenium Supplements for Thyroid Health

Selenium, a vital trace mineral for human health, naturally occurs in soil and consequently affects the selenium levels in plant-based foods. In the US, regions like the Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, and near the Great Lakes typically have lower selenium content, while the Great Plains and Southwest generally boast sufficient levels.

Although selenium deficiency is rare in the US, research suggests that approximately 1 billion people worldwide may have inadequate selenium intake.

Fortunately, a range of selenium supplements are readily available. These options span formulations catering to specific dietary needs, such as vegan-friendly and yeast-free capsules. With such diversity, this article aims to present some leading selenium supplements on the market.

How Does Selenium Help With Thyroid Function?

Myxedematous endemic cretinism is a condition prevalent in regions with insufficient iodine and selenium. This disorder, characterized by diminished thyroid activity, swelling, developmental delays, and cognitive impairments, led scientists to study selenium's role in thyroid health.

Selenium helps special proteins called iodothyronine deiodinases (DIOs) work properly. These proteins change inactive thyroid hormone (T4) into active thyroid hormone (T3).

Without enough selenium, these proteins don't work properly, resulting in reduced hormone production by the thyroid. In response to this deficiency, the body increases the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland.

TSH acts as a signal to the thyroid, encouraging it to produce more hormones in an attempt to restore balance. However, elevated TSH levels can indicate thyroid dysfunction and are often associated with hypothyroidism.

Top 10 Best Selenium Supplements for Thyroid Health

Choosing the right selenium supplement to support thyroid health can feel overwhelming with so much information available on the internet. That’s why we've done the research to bring you a carefully curated list of options for your thyroid needs.

Our evaluation considers:

• Selenium source and bioavailability
• Dosage per serving
• Additional components
• Overall nutritional composition
• Feedback from users

Discover the perfect supplement to boost your thyroid health below!

Thorne offers a potent and reliable source of selenium at $10.45 for a bottle containing 60 capsules. Each capsule provides 200 mcg of selenium in the form of L-selenomethionine, which is believed to be more readily absorbed and utilized by the body than other forms of selenium. As a result, supplements containing L-selenomethionine may offer enhanced bioavailability and efficacy.

Thorne Selenium stands out for its commitment to quality and purity. It is free from common allergens such as gluten, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, soy, fish, and shellfish.

Another feature of Thorne is their rigorous testing process. Unlike many competitors who conduct only one or two rounds of testing, Thorne runs four rounds of testing for each product. With state-of-the-art, in-house laboratories, they test raw materials, in-process batches, finished products, and product stability, ensuring that every capsule meets the highest standards of quality and potency until the day of expiration.

Pros

• Supports thyroid health and acts as an antioxidant.
• Contains L-selenomethionine for optimal absorption.
• Free from common allergens.
• Undergoes four rounds of testing for quality assurance.

Cons

• Higher price point
• Few users reported experiencing rashes upon taking the supplement

Nutricost Selenium provides 200 mcg of selenium in each capsule. This source is available at a price of $15.95 for a bottle containing 240 capsules. Additionally, it is non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Nutricost prides itself on using only the best ingredients to ensure maximum quality and efficacy. All Nutricost supplements are manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, guaranteeing adherence to strict quality control measures.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly
• Provides a potent 200 mcg dosage
• Premium form of selenium for optimal absorption
• Manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, ensuring quality and safety

Cons

• The bottle's size may not suit individuals who prefer compact packaging or those who want to try the product first.
• Some users noted the inclusion of calcium as an added ingredient, which could pose issues for those on a calcium-restricted diet.

Pure Encapsulations Selenium is dedicated to supporting thyroid health and overall well-being. Each capsule contains 200mcg of selenium as selenomethionine, a highly absorbable form for the body.

This supplement is formulated to promote healthy thyroid function by aiding in the production of thyroid hormones. Selenium also supports immune function by strengthening the body's natural defenses against pathogens, promoting overall health.

Moreover, this supplement also aids in producing antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage, supporting cellular health and longevity. However, this quality supplement comes at a price. A bottle containing 60 capsules costs $14.00.

Pros

• Vegan-friendly
• Provides thyroid support, immune function, and antioxidant protection
• Free from common allergens such as wheat, soy, egg, dairy, tree nuts, and peanuts
• Non-GMO, Gluten-free, no added artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners
• Free from trans fat and hydrogenated oils, magnesium stearate, and unnecessary binders, fillers, and preservatives

Cons

• Higher price point
• Several users have reported that the supplement has a smell and leaves an aftertaste

NOW Selenium is a dietary supplement that supports your overall health and well-being. It’s priced at $15.99 for a bottle containing 250 tablets and also has a smaller bottle option of 100 tablets available.

Each serving of NOW Selenium provides 100 mcg of selenium in the form of L-selenomethionine. This dose enables precise dosing, which is ideal for those already obtaining selenium from their diet or needing a smaller amount for desired health outcomes. It also reduces the risk of exceeding intake limits, ensuring safe supplementation.

NOW Selenium is yeast-free and contains no sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg, shellfish, or preservatives. Additionally, the vegan, soy-free, non-GMO, and kosher certifications ensure you get a product that aligns with your lifestyle choices and values.

Pros

• Affordable
• Vegan, soy-free, non-GMO, and kosher certifications
• Lower 100 mcg dose allows for precise dosing
• Yeast-free formulation suitable for sensitive individuals

Cons

• May not provide enough selenium for individuals with higher dietary needs
• Some users found the supplement challenging to swallow

Nature's Way Selenium offers a pathway to improved thyroid health and overall wellness at $11.49 for 100 capsules. Each capsule contains 200 mcg of selenium as L-selenomethionine, which constitutes 364% of the daily value. This amount is beneficial for individuals with known selenium deficiency or specific health concerns that require higher intake levels.

One of Nature's Way Selenium's key advantages is its yeast-free formulation. This formulation ensures that people can safely incorporate selenium into their daily supplement regimen without worry. Moreover, their selenium supplements are gluten-free and dairy-free.

Pros

• Formulated without using sugar, salt, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
• Yeast-free formulation
• Gluten-free and dairy-free
• High potency

Cons

• Slightly pricier
• Some users have mentioned that the supplement emits an odor and leaves a lingering taste.

Life Extension Super Selenium Complex with Vitamin E, priced at $9.98 for 100 vegetarian capsules, offers a straightforward solution for those looking to support their heart health, brain function, thyroid maintenance, and immune system. With a focus on quality and scientific validation, this supplement aims to contribute positively to your overall health and well-being.

Life Extension emphasizes quality and only uses high-quality raw ingredients. A certificate of analysis is available for every product, providing transparency and assurance of quality.

Pros

• Suitable for vegetarians
• Supports overall health and well-being
• High-quality ingredients and scientific formulation
• Non-GMO and gluten-free
• Yeast-free formulation
• Affordable

Cons

• Some customers find the smell of the vitamin blend nauseous and noxious, with an undesirable taste, leading to lingering burps throughout the day.

Bluebonnet Selenium provides a convenient and reliable way to support your immune and thyroid health. Priced at $12.88 for a bottle containing 90 vegetable capsules, it offers 200 mcg of selenium in the form of L-selenomethionine.

The product is soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher certified, dairy-free, and vegan, catering to individuals with diverse dietary preferences and restrictions.

It is also free of common allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Furthermore, Bluebonnet Selenium is free of corn, yeast, gluten, barley, rice, sodium, and sugar.

Pros

• High potency
• Ensures optimal absorption and utilization by the body
• Free from common allergens such as soy, gluten, dairy, and nuts
• Non-GMO and vegan-friendly
• Manufacturing processes adhere to stringent quality standards

Cons

• Higher price point
• Some customers reported that the smell made them nauseous
• Few users complained about the taste, leading to lingering burps throughout the day

1 Body Thyroid Support is the best iodine and selenium supplement on this list. It offers a comprehensive supplement that promotes optimal thyroid function and overall wellness at $27.71 for a bottle of 60 vegan capsules.

The formulation of 1 Body Thyroid Support comprises essential nutrients crucial for thyroid function. Each capsule contains:

• Iodine (150 mcg)
• Selenium (200 mcg)
• Vitamin B-12 (100mcg)
• Copper (200 mcg)
• L-Tyrosine (300 mg)

One of the key features of 1 Body Thyroid Support is its proprietary blend, which includes potent ingredients like ashwagandha root, magnesium, bladderwrack, and cayenne pepper. This blend provides additional benefits beyond thyroid support.

For individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences, 1 Body Thyroid Support is an ideal choice as it is non-GMO and allergen-free. It is free from common allergens such as wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, and tree nuts.

Pros

• Comprehensive thyroid support with essential nutrients
• Includes a proprietary blend for overall wellness
• Non-GMO and allergen-free formula
• Manufactured in the USA to high-quality standards
• Positive customer reviews highlighting increased energy, improved mood, and overall health benefits
• Amazon’s #1 best seller in Thyroid Extract Nutritional Supplements category

Cons

• Higher price point
• Several users experienced negative side effects such as headache and bloating

NOW Thyroid Energy is another thyroid supplement on this list that combines selenium and iodine. This combination provides extensive thyroid support and metabolism. Each bottle contains 180 capsules and costs $23.21.

This thyroid supplement contains a synergistic blend of selenium and iodine, essential minerals known for their role in thyroid health. Additionally, it includes:

• Vitamin B-6
• Vitamin B-12
• Zinc
• Copper
• L-tyrosine

Moreover, NOW Thyroid Energy features herbal extracts such as guggul and ashwagandha, which are traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support thyroid health.

Pros

• Non-GMO, kosher, and free from dairy, egg, gluten, nut, soy, and sugar
• Comprehensive thyroid support with a blend of essential nutrients and herbal extracts
• Produced in facilities with NPA A-rated GMP certification, ensuring quality and safety
• Includes vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, zinc, and copper for metabolic support

Cons

• Slightly higher price point
• Caused side effects like diarrhea to some users

Vital Nutrients Selenium ensures your body receives a balanced combination of selenium sources to ensure optimal absorption and efficacy. Priced at $17.01 for a bottle containing 90 vegetarian capsules, each capsule delivers 200 mcg of selenium, with 50% sodium selenite and 50% selenomethionin.

Sodium selenite is a common form of selenium known for its stability and bioavailability, while selenomethionine is the organic form naturally found in foods like Brazil nuts. This dual-source formula ensures that your body receives the benefits of selenium in both its inorganic and organic forms.

Vital Nutrients subjects every batch of raw materials and finished products to rigorous testing at independent US ethical laboratories. Their testing protocol includes microbiology assessments and heavy metal testing. This guarantees purity, potency, and authenticity.

Pros

• High bioavailability
• Rigorous testing protocols
• Vegan-friendly
• No coatings or binders, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free & sugar-free
• Provides antioxidant, thyroid, and immune support

Cons

• Higher price point

Takeaway

The selenium supplements mentioned in this article offer a range of features and benefits, each catering to different preferences and needs. Thorne Selenium shines with its commitment to quality and purity, offering a potent dose of selenium in a highly absorbable form.

Nutricost Selenium stands out for its budget-friendly price and strict adherence to quality control measures. Meanwhile, Pure Encapsulations Selenium delivers comprehensive support for thyroid function, immune health, and antioxidant protection, albeit at a higher price point.

In addition, NOW Selenium provides a lower dosage option suitable for various dietary preferences, while Nature's Way Selenium offers a high-potency formulation in a yeast-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free formula.

Eventually, the choice depends on individual needs. Nonetheless, each of these options exemplifies dedication to supporting thyroid health and overall well-being.

When is the best time to take a selenium supplement?

There isn't strong evidence that suggests a specific time of day for taking selenium supplements. It's generally recommended to take it in the morning or afternoon, as it can help maintain energy levels throughout the day. Choose a time that works best for you. The key is to take it regularly as part of a balanced diet and in accordance with the recommended dosage guidelines.

Should pregnant or breastfeeding women take selenium supplements?

For pregnant and lactating women, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is about 60 and 70 micrograms daily, respectively. Any supplement addition should be discussed with a medical provider.

What are the natural food sources of selenium?

Selenium is naturally present in soil, influencing the selenium levels in plant-based foods. Foods like Brazil nuts, leafy greens, shiitake and button mushrooms, and various seeds like young barley seedlings, serve as rich natural sources of selenium, particularly in areas where the soil contains sufficient selenium. Other sources include seafood (including tuna, halibut, and shrimp), poultry, eggs, and dairy products.

Can selenium supplements improve cognitive function?

Research suggests that selenium deficiency may be linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. While selenium supplementation shows promise in animal studies, more research is needed to determine its effects on cognitive function in humans.

Are there any risks associated with selenium supplements?

Taking selenium supplements carries some risk. Mild side effects may include stomach discomfort, headache, and rash. However, consuming high doses of selenium can lead to more severe symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. In extreme cases, excessive selenium intake can result in organ failure and even death.