Iodine Deficiency, Iodine Content of Salt and Knowledge of Iodine Supplementation in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

In 2003 WHO estimated that 36% of the global population lived in areas of iodine deficiency (ID) and Dunn estimated that 100 000 children were born with cretinism each year. Because of the serious developmental effects of ID disease (IDD) the United Nations and other agencies pledged in 1990 to work toward the elimination of ID by 2000. Iodized salt is the simplest and most effective way to provide iodine in the diet. In 1993 74.2% of 837 Dominican Republic (DR) school children had ID [mean urinary iodine (UI) concentration was < 7 mcg/dl]. In 1994 the Minister of Health legislated that salt be iodinated at a level of 30-100 ppm. No studies were done to determine efficacy although such monitoring is important for elimination of IDD. This study was undertaken during a medical student outreach program serving 1800 people in traveling clinics in the mountains of DR at elevations of 690-1200m. One hundred thirty-three subjects aged 2-75 years (53% < 16 years) were randomly selected who were not related ill malnourished treated for thyroid problems or with obvious goiter noted on triage. The study and informed consent and assent were approved by the University of Florida IRB. Questionnaires explored salt use and knowledge of iodination importance. (excerpt)