Changing trends in the global, regional, and national burden of iodine deficiency among adolescents and young adults: population-based study.

Abstract

Globally, the iodine deficiency burden among adolescents has substantially decreased since 1990; however, low-SDI countries still bear a great burden. Implementation measures and monitoring systems should be strengthened to reduce the iodine deficiency burden, especially among adolescents. • Iodine deficiency can cause severe or irreversible developmental disorders, particularly in adolescents and young adults. • Universal Salt Iodization was implemented for ensuring appropriate iodine intake. • We found substantial declines in the prevalence rates of iodine deficiency among adolescents during the past three decades. Globally, the disability-adjusted life-year rate of iodine deficiency among adolescents decreased from 56.17 in 1990 to 35.38 in 2019. • Iodine deficiency among adolescents in low- sociodemographic index countries still bear a great burden.