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The major environmental factor that determines goiter prevalence is iodine status. However, other trace elements like selenium and zinc can influence the thyroid function. Hair samples (n = 68) were collected from goitrous and non-goitrous children aged 8-12 years living in the area of Al Haouz Marrakech-(Morocco). Trace element concentrations (Cr, Fe, Mg, Zn, Se, I) in hair were measured using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Difference in the mean concentration of each trace element between groups was determined by ANOVA test. The mean concentration levels of I, Se, and Zn for goitrous children were lower and were similar to the mean concentrations reported in the literature for subjects with goiter. The regression results gave us a better model that revealed significant positive relations between thyroid volume and Zn contents and significant negative relation with I and Se. The overall findings of the present study revealed that the actual factors of thyroid gland volume increase are I and Se deficiency. This work could shed some light on the effects of trace elements-other than iodine-on the thyroid disorders.

The efficacy of two strategies to correct iodine deficiency in infants was tested in a double‐blind, randomized controlled intervention trial using oral iodized oil in a moderate‐to‐severely iodine deficient area in Morocco. Breastfeeding mother‐infant pairs (n=240) enrolled at <1 mo after birth received: 1) 400 mg iodine to the mother and placebo to the infant or; 2) placebo to the mother and 100 mg iodine to the infant. Iodine and thyroid status were measured at baseline, 3, 6, 9 mo and motor and cognitive development were measured at 12 and 18 mo (Bayley Scales of infant development II). Both interventions improved urinary iodine concentrations and thyroid function in infants (p<0.05). Iodine supplementation to the mother improved the median breast milk iodine concentration (P<0.05). At 12 mo the median Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) and Mental Development Index (MDI) in group 1 and 2 were 97 to 95 (PMI) (p = 0.46) and 101 to 105 (MDI) (p = 0.76), respectively. The data at 18 mo are currently being analyzed. Direct and indirect iodine supplementation appears equally effective in improving the iodine status, thyroid status and motor/cognitive development in breastfed infants. This study was funded by the Laboratory of Human Nutrition, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.