Association of serum selenium with thyroxin in severely iodine-deficient young children from the Amhara region of Ethiopia

Background/Objectives: Selenium (Se) as part of glutathione peroxidase and iodothyronine deiodinase enzymes influences thyroid metabolism. This study investigated the association of serum Se levels with thyroid metabolism of severely iodine-deficient young children from the Amhara region of Ethiopia. Subjects/Methods: In a cross-sectional study, Se, thyroid-stimulating hormone, total thyroxin, total triiodothyronine and thyroglobulin in serum of children ( N =628) 54–60 months of age from the Amhara region, Ethiopia, were analyzed. In addition, iodine in urine and household salt was analyzed, and the presence of goiter was assessed. Results: The median serum Se concentration was 61.4 μg/l (10.7–290.9 μg/l). Selenium deficiency (serum Se