Andrew Huberman on Selenium
3 episodes · 5 references · 2021–2025
- Huberman highlights selenium as essential for thyroid hormone production, recommending Brazil nuts as the optimal food source - He provides specific dosing guidance: 2-3 Brazil nuts daily supply more than enough selenium (6-8 nuts contain ~550 mcg) - No evidence of personal supplementation, no cautions discussed, and no mention of selenium in pill/capsule form
Benefits
- Selenium is critical for thyroid hormone synthesis, enabling the interaction between L-tyrosine and iodine - Huberman describes adequate selenium intake as one of the best ways to support thyroid function and overall metabolism - He recommends 1-3 Brazil nuts per day as sufficient to meet selenium needs for thyroid support
Best Practices
- Brazil nuts are the "heavyweight champion" food source for selenium, far exceeding other options - Just 6-8 Brazil nuts contain approximately 550 micrograms of selenium - Huberman recommends food-based selenium intake via Brazil nuts rather than supplementation
“One of the best ways to support the thyroid system and metabolism in general is to make sure you're getting enough selenium. Brazil nuts, one or two or three of those per day, you'll have more than enough selenium.”
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“Selenium is important in order for thyroid hormone to be made because of the way that it allows L-tyrosine and iodine to interact.”
How to Control Your Metabolism by Thyroid & Growth Hormone
“Brazil nuts are the heavyweight champion of foods to get selenium from. Just six or eight Brazil nuts contain something like 550 micrograms of selenium.”
How to Control Your Metabolism by Thyroid & Growth Hormone | Huberman Lab Essentials
