The thyroid-study one
Selenomethionine
Your body absorbs it well, and it's the form used in most thyroid studies.
Good for: Thyroid · Everyday use
What variations of selenium exist?
A trace mineral the thyroid needs to activate its hormones and protect itself. Some studies show it lowers thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto's. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The thyroid-study one
Selenomethionine
Your body absorbs it well, and it's the form used in most thyroid studies.
Good for: Thyroid · Everyday use
The food-like one
Selenium glycinate or yeast-bound selenium
Food-like forms your body absorbs well.
The less-absorbed one
Sodium selenite
It works, but your body absorbs less of it.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Selenomethionine' on the label (the thyroid-study one)
Watch out for
- More than 200 mcg per serving
- Selenium adding up from a multi, a thyroid formula, and Brazil nuts
Check with your provider first if…
- Signs of too much: garlic-smelling breath, a metallic taste, or brittle hair or nails
- Long-term high amounts have been linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes
In Dr. Lesher's store
3 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary have selenium. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
Wellex
Papillex
Has selenomethionine (the thyroid-study one), good for thyroid
27.5 mcg per serving
MegaFood
Baby & Me 2™
Has glycinate (the food-like one)
25 mcg per serving
MegaFood
Baby & Me 2™ Postnatal Multi
Has glycinate (the food-like one)
35 mcg per serving
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.