An analysis of iodine nutritional status among key populations in non-iodine excess areas of Shandong Province in 2017

Abstract

Objective To analyze the iodine nutritional status among key populations in non-iodine excess areas of Shandong Province in 2017. Methods Totally 81 county-level monitoring sites were selected in 17 cities of Shandong Province. Each county was divided into five areas including the east, west, south, north and the middle according to the location. A township (street) was randomly selected in each area and a primary school was selected from each township (street). Totally 40 students aged 8 - 10 (half males and half females) were selected in each school for examination of thyroid by B ultrasonography and determination of urinary iodine and salt iodine levels. At the same time, 20 pregnant women were selected from each township (street) for determination of urinary iodine and salt iodine levels. Results A total of 16 341 children and 8 524 pregnant women urine samples were tested and the medians of urinary iodine of children and pregnant women were 187.7 and 145.4 μg/L, respectively. Totally 16 341 children were examined thyroid and the rate of goiter was 2.36% (386/16 341) . Totally 24 170 edible salt samples were tested. The coverage rate of iodized salt was 88.93% (21 495/24 170), the qualified rate of iodized salt was 90.08% (19 363/21 495) and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 80.11% (19 363/24 170). Conclusion Both children and pregnant women in non-iodine excess areas of Shandong Province are in a suitable state of iodine nutrition. Key words: Iodine; Child; Pregnant women; Thyroid