Iodine, copper, zinc, selenium and molybdenum levels in children aged between 6 and 12 years in the rural area with iodine deficiency and in the city center without iodine deficiency in Hatay

Aim: Thyroid diseases related with iodine deficiency are observed commonly in our country and in the world. In this study, we aimed to investigate iodine deficiency in urine and selenium, zinc, copper or molybdenum deficiencies which may accompany this in children aged between 6 and 12 years in two schools in the province of Hatay (endemic goitre region). Material and Methods: This study is a case-control field-study in which students aged between 6 and 12 years were included. One hundred fourteen subjects from the village of Tanisma related to the center of our province and 100 subjects from the city center of Hatay (Antakya) were included in the study. Iodine, selenium, zinc, copper and molybdenum levels were measured in the urine samples of the students included in the study. Results: Iodine deficiency was found with a severe (5%), moderate (18.4%) and mild degree (43%), respectively in the village of Tanisma. Mild iodine deficiency (7%) was found in the center of Hatay. No moderate and severe iodine deficiency was found in the control group. A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of urine iodine excretion (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between the levels of iodine, selenium, zinc and molybdenum (p < 0.05). A moderately positive correlation was found between iodine and selenium (p < 0.001). A moderately positive correlation was found between iodine and zinc levels (p < 0.001) and a weak correlation was found between iodine and molybdenum (p < 0.01). No significant correlation was found between iodine level and copper level (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Selenium and zinc deficiency may accompany iodine deficiency. Selenium and zinc deficiency should be considered in individuals who are found to have iodine deficiency especially in endemic goitre regions.