Trace elements in the internal environment and the hormone-producing capacity of the thyroid gland: a systematic review
- 1Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, 0208 South Africa
- 2Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, 0208 South Africa
- 3Department of Statistical Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, 0208 South Africa
Abstract
Background: Trace elements are needed for the normal functioning of the thyroid. Elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and iodine are involved in thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism and in protecting thyroid tissue from oxidative damage. Trace elements act as cofactors for antioxidant enzymes, helping to regulate oxidative stress in the body. An imbalance between oxidative and antioxidant processes is considered a contributing factor in several thyroid disorders, including autoimmune thyroid diseases and thyroid tumours. When trace element levels become deficient or excessive, this balance can be disrupted, potentially leading to impaired thyroid hormone production and altered thyroid hormone status.
Purpose: This study aims to systematically review the current knowledge concerning the effect of trace elements on the redox regulation of thyroid hormonogenesis and the development of thyroid diseases.
Methods: Literature searches were carried out following the PECO framework across PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer, Nature, ResearchGate, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify English-language Cross-sectional, Case-control, Prospective cohort, Randomized controlled trial, and Comparative studies meeting the inclusion criteria. All available studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included.
Results: Imbalances in these elements were associated with changes in thyroid hormone levels, variations in thyroid gland volume, and an elevated risk of nodular thyroid disease and autoimmune thyroid disorders. Across the reviewed studies, trace element imbalances were shown to affect important enzymes related to the thyroid, such as thyroid peroxidase, iodothyronine deiodinases, glutathione peroxidase, and other antioxidant enzymes. Selenium and iron were identified as the most consistently correlated elements with indices of thyroid hormone status and glandular capacity.
Conclusion: The findings show that the clinical relevance of trace element status for thyroid health is context-dependent, varying with iodine sufficiency, radiation exposure, sex, age and occupational profile. Stratified screening and intervention strategies, rather than uniform population recommendations, are needed to translate this evidence into improved thyroid care and public well-being.
Clinical trial number: Not applicable.
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BibTeX
@article{sambo2026trace,
title = {{Trace elements in the internal environment and the hormone-producing capacity of the thyroid gland: a systematic review}},
author = {Themba D. Sambo and Sechene S. Gololo and Ntwanano S. Mapfumari and Mashudu Nemukula and Emelinah H. Mathe and Ananias H. Kgopa and Solly M. Seeletse},
journal = {BMC Endocrine Disorders},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1186/s12902-026-02452-2},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-026-02452-2},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Trace elements in the internal environment and the hormone-producing capacity of the thyroid gland: a systematic review
AU - Themba D. Sambo
AU - Sechene S. Gololo
AU - Ntwanano S. Mapfumari
AU - Mashudu Nemukula
AU - Emelinah H. Mathe
AU - Ananias H. Kgopa
AU - Solly M. Seeletse
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/08
JO - BMC Endocrine Disorders
DO - 10.1186/s12902-026-02452-2
UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-026-02452-2
AB - Background: Trace elements are needed for the normal functioning of the thyroid. Elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and iodine are involved in thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism and in protecting thyroid tissue from oxidative damage. Trace elements act as cofactors for antioxidant enzymes, helping to regulate oxidative stress in the body. An imbalance between oxidative and antioxidant processes is considered a contributing factor in several thyroid disorders, including autoimmune thyroid diseases and thyroid tumours. When trace element levels become deficient or excessive, this balance can be disrupted, potentially leading to impaired thyroid hormone production and altered thyroid hormone status. Purpose: This study aims to systematically review the current knowledge concerning the effect of trace elements on the redox regulation of thyroid hormonogenesis and the development of thyroid diseases. Methods: Literature searches were carried out following the PECO framework across PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer, Nature, ResearchGate, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify English-language Cross-sectional, Case-control, Prospective cohort, Randomized controlled trial, and Comparative studies meeting the inclusion criteria. All available studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included. Results: Imbalances in these elements were associated with changes in thyroid hormone levels, variations in thyroid gland volume, and an elevated risk of nodular thyroid disease and autoimmune thyroid disorders. Across the reviewed studies, trace element imbalances were shown to affect important enzymes related to the thyroid, such as thyroid peroxidase, iodothyronine deiodinases, glutathione peroxidase, and other antioxidant enzymes. Selenium and iron were identified as the most consistently correlated elements with indices of thyroid hormone status and glandular capacity. Conclusion: The findings show that the clinical relevance of trace element status for thyroid health is context-dependent, varying with iodine sufficiency, radiation exposure, sex, age and occupational profile. Stratified screening and intervention strategies, rather than uniform population recommendations, are needed to translate this evidence into improved thyroid care and public well-being. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.
SN - 1472-6823
ER -