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 Dr. John C. Lowe

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Q: I have started taking the Hypo Support Formula because I could not get Armour. I am taking four capsules right now and the total selenium in those four caps is 400 mcg. I have not reached an adequate level of thyroid supplementation yet and I am concerned about taking too much selenium. I am very chemical sensitive and do not metabolize things at a normal rate. I am hoping the thyroid will end up helping that, but until it does, if it does, how much selenium is safe to take and is there a possibility that I can become toxic with it. Also, when will your new thyroid formula be available and will there also be the selenium in it? Thank you so much for your help and also for all the work you do to get the facts out to the public. March 31, 2010

Dr. Lowe: The question you asked about selenium is the most common question we've received from people taking HSF. Because of that, Franconia is soon sending out a special newsletter to the customers of ThyroidScience.us. The topic is exactly what so many of them are concern is about: the possibility of selenium poisoning from HSF, especially if a person is also taking RLC Labs’ Thyro Multi. I hope you’ll find what I’ve written on the topic of interest, and I’ll appreciate any comments you have after reading the newsletter.
New Life Multi

Organic, Raw Foods
Multi Supplement
(Replaces Thyro Multi)

To directly answer your question, I don’t think you’re at risk of selenium poisoning from the 4 capsules of HSF. As I point out in the newsletter I mentioned, in an epidemiologic study in China, people developed selenosis (selenium poisoning) on average from 1270 mcg of selenium each day. You're taking far less than that amount in the HSF. Of course, one  must consider the total daily intake of selenium from HSF and other sources, such as Thyro Multi.

As I point out in the newsletter, we must also consider the matter of individual sensitivity to selenium. You wrote that “I am very chemical sensitive.” That being the case, you might be especially interested in the issue of individual sensitivity.

I’m apparently particularly sensitive. From taking 10 capsules of HSF per day, along with 3 capsules of Thyro Multi twice each day, for 3 months, I developed reversible spastic paralysis. When I suggested that to a key person at RLC Labs that the company reduce the amount of selenium in HSF, he declined. After I recently did a trial of 10 capsules of HSF, this time without taking Thyro Multi, I again developed spastic paralysis that was relieved several days after I stopped taking the HSF.

Again, I think you’re highly unlikely to develop selenosis from 4 capsules of HSF. And my communications with others who take HSF suggest to me that on average, 6 capsules per day aren't likely to cause symptoms of selenosis. I encourage you, though, to calculate your total selenium intake from all sources, and to consider your individual sensitivity to the element.

To answer your last question, the new product should be available in 4-to-6 weeks. It will contain no selenium whatever. I hope this is helpful to you, and I wish you all the best.

Common Symptoms of Selenosis
Bluish skin Breathlessness Cough
Chest pain Cracked nails Dry cough
Fatigue Fever Fibrosis of lungs
Garlic-smelling breath Hoarseness Inflamed lungs
Loss of appetite Malaise Nail grooves
Paralysis Rapid breathing Scarred lungs
Shallow breathing Shortness of breath Sleep problems
GI upset    

Franconia Ltd