Dietary iodine and selenium intake by participants older people at the University of the Third age

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the dietary intake profile of iodine and selenium in participants of the University of the Third Age (UNATI). This cross-sectional study estimated dietary intake using a food frequency questionnaire administered to 30 participants. The mean age was 67.6 years, the majority were women (90%), and 83.3% were older than 60 years. The mean iodine intake was estimated to be 198.9 ± 50.8 µg/day, and selenium intake was 369.9 ± 145.3 µg/day, both above the recommended dietary intakes. Two categories were created based on the median (50th percentile), one category ≤ 68 years and the other > 68 years. The mean intake between the two categories was not significantly different for iodine (p=0.467) and selenium (p=0.146). The category > 68 years consumed more dairy products (p=0.045) and vegetables (p=0.039) than the younger category. Daily intake of iodine and selenium showed no correlation with each other (r=0.134; p=0.480) or with age (iodine: r=-0.199; p=0.289; selenium: r=0.150; p=0.429). Total iodine intake was positively correlated with salt (p<0.001), dairy products (p=0.016), and vegetables (p=0.018). Selenium intake was positively associated with eggs, meat, and fish (p<0.001) and nuts and legumes (p<0.001). Iodine intake was adequate for almost the entire group, with no excess consumption. No deficiency was observed concerning selenium intake, and intake was either sufficient or excessive without posing a disease risk.