Are patients with thyroid orbitopathy deficient in selenium and/or vitamin D?

Selenium is a potent nutritional antioxidant that regulates reactive oxygen species and redox status in all tissues influencing inflammation and immune responses. A European study on mild Graves' orbitopathy showed that supplementation with selenium improved quality of life, reduced ocular involvement, and slowed progression of the disease. Vitamin D has been hypothesized to promote the maintenance of immune homeostasis and supplementation is thought to benefit patients with multiple sclerosis for example. The aim of the study is to determine whether serum selenium and vitamin D levels are low in patients with thyroid orbitopathy.