TRAb levels decreased at 6 but not 9 months .
At 6 months , patients on selenium supplementation were more likely than controls to show improved thyroid function ; however , the effect disappeared at 9 months .
Low selenium status is associated with increased risk of Graves ' disease ( GD ) .
While several trials have discussed the efficacy of selenium supplementation for thyroid function , in GD patients , the effectiveness of selenium intake as adjuvant therapy remains unclear .
In this systematic review and meta- analysis , we aim ed to determine the efficacy of selenium supplementation on thyroid function in GD patients .
Oxidative Stress in Graves’ Disease
Increased reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) generation and the consequent oxidative damage are involved in the development of several diseases , including autoimmune diseases . Graves ’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hyperthyroidism and , less frequently , orbitopathy . Hyperthyroidism is characterized by increased oxidative stress . Untreated hyperthyroidism is associated with an increase of several parameters of oxidative stress and in most studies ( but not all ) by an increase of antioxidant defense enzymes . Restoration of euthyroidism with antithyroid drug is associated with a reversal of the biochemical abnormalities associated with oxidative stress . Animal and human studies suggest that increased ROS may directly contribute to some clinical manifestation of the disease , including orbitopathy . Antioxidants administered alone improve some clinical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism and , when associated with antithyroid drugs , induce a more rapid control of clinical manifestations and a faster achievement of euthyroidism . A large r and omized clinical trial has shown that antioxidant supplementation ( selenium ) may also be beneficial for mild Graves ’ orbitopathy
TRAb levels decreased at 6 but not 9 months .
At 6 months , patients on selenium supplementation were more likely than controls to show improved thyroid function ; however , the effect disappeared at 9 months .
Low selenium status is associated with increased risk of Graves ' disease ( GD ) .
While several trials have discussed the efficacy of selenium supplementation for thyroid function , in GD patients , the effectiveness of selenium intake as adjuvant therapy remains unclear .
In this systematic review and meta- analysis , we aim ed to determine the efficacy of selenium supplementation on thyroid function in GD patients .