Trace elements in growth: Iodine and selenium status of Turkish children

Starting from the fetal life and increasing the need throughout the childhood, adequate intake of micronutrients is of great importance for the proper development of structure and function of the body, and the well being. However, micronutrient deficiency is widespread in many populations of the world mainly due to nutritional insufficiencies and/or inadequate and unbalanced nutrition. While iodine and selenium (Se) are inadequately available for men and live stock in many parts of the world, Turkey is one of those countries where iodine deficiency (ID) is widespread, Se levels are marginal. In this communication, importance of adequate iodine and Se nutrition and status of Turkish children is summarized.