Research on Association Between Selenium Deficiencies and Change of Thyroid Function

Effect of Selenium Deficiency on Thyroid Function

As one of the essential micronutrients, selenium has important biological functions. However, an effective and convenient method for evaluation of selenium nutritional status has not yet been established. Previous literature has disclosed effect of selenium deficiency on inactivating glutathion peroxidase and deiodinase, which may cause decreased conversion from thyroxine ( T4) to triiodothyronine (T3). A case-control study is designed to demonstrate the association between selenium deficiency and abnormally elevated T4 or T4/T3, which may provide more clues for establishing effective selenium assesment methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• with normal free triiodothyronine( FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
• without thyroid hormone replacement therapy
• without medical history of thyroid surgery
• without iodine radiotherapy;

Exclusion Criteria:

• acute critical illness in the latest 1 year;
• weight fluctuation by more than 5% in the latest 3 months;
• eating disorders
• neuropsychological disorders
• allergy to corn or yeast
• fail to give informed consents.