Selenium supplementation in pregnancy can reduce the risk of postpartum thyroiditis. Your thyroid gland contains more selenium than any other part of your body. That’s because it is necessary for the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Ensuring you get adequate selenium in your diet can also help to reduce the risk of autoimmune thyroid conditions, particularly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is the most common thyroid problem. Research has shown that increasing selenium intake can help to reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland. Now, researchers have learned that pregnant women who supplement with selenium can reduce their risk of postpartum thyroiditis. This is because selenium can halt the production of thyroid antibodies, which is what drives the thyroid condition. Thyroid problems are very common following childbirth. They can cause extreme fatigue, fluid retention, depression and an inability to lose weight. This problem is covered in detail in our book Your Thyroid Problems Solved. Read more