Trace Elements in Medicine (Moscow)
2017, 18(2): 48–50
SHORT COMMUNICATION

ON THE USE OF SELENIUM IN IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS

V. Melo-Ruíz1*, K. Sánchez-Herrera1, B. Schettino-Bermudez1, B. Marquez-Cruz1, C. Calvo-Carrillo2

1 Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-X. Calz. del Hueso 1100. México City. CP 04960. México
2 Instituto de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran. Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15. México City. PC 14080. Mexico

DOI: 10.19112/2413-6174-2017-18-2-48-50 

ABSTRACT. Many people worldwide suffer from goiter, cretinism and intellectual deficit due to Iodine deficiency by absence of this element in diets that leads to impaired function of the thyroid gland, delay in growth and severe mental retardation. Selenium is essential in the metabolism of the iodothyronine, to convert the prohormone tetraiodothyronine to the active form triiodothyronine. The selenocysteine protect the thyroid hormone synthesis. Jumil Euchistus sufultus S forest bug consumed in Mexico has both elements. The aim of this paper is to analyze iodine and selenium in this insect, captured at Guerrero State (2016) and profile samples of iodine by titration with thiosulfate and selenium by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Data obtained were Iodine 0.72 µg/100g and selenium 57 µg/100 g. In conclusion thyroid disease and severe mental retardation caused by iodine deficiency can be prevented by intake of two or three insects a day.

KEYWORDS: iodine deficiency, prophylaxis, selenium, natural source, edible insects.