Iodine is a mineral essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid. The thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are tyrosine-based hormones produced by the precious thyroid gland which are necessary for proper and efficient metabolism. The thyroid controls fundamental metabolic functions: regulation of body temperature, growth and development of tissues and energy levels. All these actions are implemented thanks to the synthesis of Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) whose iodine content is about 60%. Iodine is a key component in the production of T3 and T4. Insufficient iodine leads to reduced production of T3 and T4, which can create an enlarged thyroid gland. A deficiency of iodine can also cause weight gain, low energy, a tendency to depression and is associated with cardiovascular disease, promoting cognitive decline. When iodine deficiency is severe, it causes goiter and cretinism, mental retardation, infertility, and increases perinatal death.
Unfortunately, iodine deficiency is one of the main health emergencies, not only in our country but worldwide, so much so that it produces an alert from health organizations such as the WHO so much that in 2010 it included iodine in the list of ten micronutrients most important in terms of requirements. It should also be noted that the Italian Ministry of Health, in 2005, issued a law for the dissemination of iodized table salt in order to reduce the incidence of iodine deficiency (about 10% of the population is affected. breastfeeding as well as in small children, iodine supplementation is essential for the proper functioning and formation of the brain: a deficiency can lead to cognitive deficits of different entities.
To support maximum efficiency in thyroid activity, the presence of Selenium is necessary, an essential element of the enzymatic system that has the task of transforming thyroxine (t4) into triiodothyronine (T3) at the tissue level, activating the enzyme deiodase.
Selenium is a very important mineral for keeping the body healthy. Its powerful antioxidant effect is well known, where it plays a protective role against cells against the aggression of free radicals, thus counteracting the effects of oxidative stress, and acts in preventing cellular aging. Among other things, selenium protects the tissues from degeneration and keeps the skin supple and young. This important mineral also stimulates the immune system, as well as having an anti-inflammatory function and, together with vitamin C, protects the body from infections, especially seasonal ailments and flu viruses. It protects against the risk of cardiovascular dysfunctions and other diseases related to aging, such as arthritis, arteriosclerosis etc. Selenium is useful for the prevention of some forms of cancers, in particular that of the prostate (this is because seleniumproteins are directly involved in the production of testosterone). For all this series of reasons, it has been defined as a mineral with "anti-aging" effects.
But as already mentioned above, Selenium is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid, regulating its activity and carrying out a protective function against this gland, as well as being directly involved in the transformation of the hormone T4 into T3. In fact, a deficiency of this mineral, however, can occur if you suffer from metabolic dysfunctions related to thyroid activity, such as hypothyroidism.
To ensure the right intake of iodine and selenium it is important to follow a rich and balanced diet that includes all the foods that contain these two precious microelements, and it is recommended to replace the sea salt used in the kitchen with iodized salt. These indications are able to avoid in most cases an iodine deficiency, but sometimes the diet alone is not enough to correct these imbalances and for some people, however, a targeted integration of these two elements is necessary to restore the physiological ranges and to support the physiological thyroid activity thanks to products such as Tiriosel. These people are found to have low levels of T3 and T4 hormones, or too low a TSH value, which have a sluggish and fatigued thyroid. Often and willingly before intervening with diagnostic actions and special insights, specialists recommend a dietary supplement based on iodine and selenium, intended to rebalance any deficiencies or increased needs to promote the physiological conversion into active efficient hormones.
