| Background: In the subclinical hypothyroidism, T4 or T3 levels are normal and thyroid‑stimulating
hormone (TSH) is slightly high. Selenium deficiency can lead to thyroid dysfunction. The
present study aims to investigate the effect of selenium supplementation on the thyroid hormone
and anti‑thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti‑TPO AB) levels. Materials and Methods: In this
double‑blinded, randomized, placebo‑controlled clinical trial, 42 patients with subclinical
hypothyroidism were randomly assigned to receive 200 μg selenium or placebo for 8 weeks. In
the both groups, the serum TSH and anti‑TPO antibody levels were measured and assessed before
and after the intervention. Results: After the interventions, the mean serum TSH reduction in the
intervention and placebo groups was −10.98 ± 33.31 and −3.20 ± 38.36, respectively, which were
not statistically significant. However, the mean serum anti‑TPO Ab concentration increased in
the intervention and placebo groups (109.81 ± 51.49% vs. 173.17 ± 96.26%), between which the
difference was not statistically significant (P >0.05) despite a slight increase in the mean anti‑TPO
level in the intervention group. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicated that selenium
supplementation has no significant effect on serum anti‑TPO Ab and TSH levels in the patients with
subclinical hypothyroidism. Studies with larger sample size and with different doses of selenium are
needed to reach more precise results. |