Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: It is a well-known fact that in Baltic Sea region there is low level of ecological selenium and iodine in soil and water, which can lead to subclinical hypo-activity of thyroid gland. By epidemiological data of that region, chronic stress and low insolation favour the decrease of metabolic rate, hypercholesterolemia and obesity in 30% of population.

Method: In Dietological Centre of Jurmala, Latvia, 87 obese patients, in the age group of 25–37, were observed in this study. During 7–10 days patients were given low calorie (180–300 kcal per day) cascade diet. In that period of time and 5 weeks after they were given 150 mkg of selenium and 150 mkg of iodine from kelp extract per day as nutritional supplements. Patients were tested by standard biochemical methods – levels of TSH; free T₃ and T₄; total cholesterol; LDL cholesterol as well as they got weighed – before and after the course.

Results: After the course 75% of patients detected the normalization of these parameters:

• TSH: 0.28±0.02 to 0.34±0.03 mlU/l

• T₃: 0.68±0.04 to 0.90±0.03 mlU/l

• T₄: 4.4±0.02 to 4.8±0.04 mlU/l

Lipid metabolism was normalized as well: In average total cholesterol reduced for 38%; LDL cholesterol reduced for 21%; weight reduced for 11–13%.

Conclusion: Using selenium (Se) and iodine (I) as nutritional supplements can correct lipid metabolism and improve psychological condition in people with subclinical hypothyroidism.