Selenium Status Associates with Thyroid Hormone and Thyroid Dysfunction in Older Chinese Adults

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Selenium (Se) is vital for thyroid hormone metabolism.
• Epidemiological data on selenium status and thyroid function in elderly populations are scarce and conflicting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between selenium status and thyroid function in elderly Chinese individuals.
• To explore the relationship between selenium levels and the risk of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving elderly participants (≥65 years).
• Collected fingernail and whole blood samples for selenium concentration analysis.
• Assessed thyroid function using serum thyroid hormones: TSH, TT3, TT4, FT3, and FT4.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was found between whole blood and fingernail selenium concentrations (r = 0.672, P < 0.001).
• Higher selenium levels (in both blood and nails) were associated with lower TSH and higher TT3, FT3, and FT4 levels.
• Elevated selenium was linked to a decreased risk of hypothyroidism and an increased risk of hyperthyroidism.

Conclusions:

• Selenium status is significantly associated with thyroid hormone levels in the elderly Chinese population.
• Higher selenium intake may protect against hypothyroidism but could increase the risk of hyperthyroidism.