Control Of Iodine Deficiency Disorders Research Articles

Tracking Progress Towards Sustainable Elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in Selected four Districts of Bihar: An Epidemiological Study

Introduction: Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) remain a significant global public health challenge, with severe consequences ranging from congenital anomalies, Goitre to mental deficiency. Preventing these disorders through iodized salt consumption is cost-effective and efficient.Aims/ objective: To assess the prevalence of goitre and the proportion of households using adequately iodized salt in selected four districts (Saran, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Patna) of Bihar (a state in eastern India) using WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD criteria.Materials and Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6-12 years.A multi-stage sampling method was employed, and iodine content in household salt samples were analysed.Results: The results showed that the prevalence of goitre ranged from 0.9% to 4.63% across districts, indicating that goitre is not a public health problem. Adequate iodized salt consumption varied from 71.95% to 86.72%,falling short of the 90% USI goal. Urinary iodine excretion data were not available due to ongoing laboratory setup in PMCH, Patna.Conclusion: The study underscores the need for strengthened monitoring and evaluation to ensure thesustainability of IDD control activities for achieving sustainable elimination of IDD in Bihar.

Knowledge and Utilisation of Iodised Salt by School Children and Food Vendors in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Universal Salt Iodisation (USI) is globally accepted as a cost-effective strategy for controlling Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD). However, there is a paucity of data on the proper use of iodised salt among food vendors. Thus, the present study assessed the School food environments and iodised salt practices among school food vendors in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 322 school children and 30 school food vendors. A stratified multistage followed by a systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit schools and children. Salt samples were collected from food vendors and analyzed using the iodine rapid field test kit and then analyzed quantitatively using an iodometric titration method. The data on knowledge, attitude, and practices was collected using customized Iodine deficiency-related questionnaires recommended by FAO to assess iodine deficiency-related factors. For school food environments, 3 tools were designed and used to get information; the teachers, students, and school food vendors' tools. A chi-square test was used to establish an association between variables. About 76.7% of the salt samples from school food vendors were adequately iodised (≥15 ppm) with the mean iodine content of 39.26 ± 11.06. More than half (70%) of the food sold around school compound were junk food. Half (63.3%) of the food vendors had poor practices of iodised salt utilisation. A substantial achievement has been made in awareness creation of the importance of using iodised salt. Nonetheless, there is a limited knowledge on salt handling practices including discretionary salt use exacerbated by poor school food environment. To optimally eliminate IDDs, the government should now place more emphasis on proper salt handling practices from the production site, food handlers, and much more to consumers. School children should be encouraged on healthy eating habits, by improving school feeding programs and change the current food environments in schools.

How to Decide the Iodine Content in Salt for a Country-China as an Example.

Globally, many countries have implemented universal salt iodization to prevent and control iodine deficiency disorders. Therefore, it is important to determine the optimal iodine content in salt and to adjust it in a timely manner. This article aims to establish a process for selecting, deciding, and evaluating the iodine content in salt for China and, if possible, providing references for other countries. Information on salt intake, water iodine, and iodine stability in salt was collected. A field investigation was carried out in different populations in four provinces. Iodine intake was calculated and the appropriate iodine content for salt preliminarily obtained, then verified for suitability with 2020 China National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Surveillance data. In total, 2837 children, 1660 adults, and 2145 pregnant women were enrolled, and their iodine intake from food was 3.7-96.1, 60.0-156.0 and 65.0-112.0 µg/d, respectively. After calculation, when the iodine content in salt was 20, 25 and 30 mg/kg, for children and adults, the total iodine intake ranged from 173.4 to 253.5 µg/d and 230.3 to 379.8 µg/d, respectively. When the iodine content in salt was 30 and 35 mg/kg, for pregnant women, the total iodine intake was 296.8-408.9 µg/d, which was between the recommended nutrient intake and tolerable upper intake level. Therefore, in China, the iodine content in salt in the general population can be preset as 20, 25 and 30 mg/kg, and that in pregnant women 30 and 35 mg/kg, with a variation of ±5 mg/kg based on the automatic spraying technique used in the salt processing plant. Iodine nutritional status was then evaluated according to the preset iodine content in the salt, and it reached the appropriate level for the different populations. The iodine content in salt in China was decided and verified, and the procedure of selecting the iodine content in salt was established for the reference of different countries.

Time Series and Spatial Epidemiological Analysis of the Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in China

ObjectiveTo recognize the spatial and temporal characteristics of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), China national IDD surveillance data for the years of 1995–2018 were analyzed. MethodsTime series analysis was used to describe and predict the IDD related indicators, and spatial analysis was used to analyze the spatial distribution of salt iodine levels. ResultsIn China, the median urinary iodine concentration increased in 1995–1997, then decreased to adequate levels, and are expected to remain appropriate in 2019–2022. The goiter rate continually decreased and is expected to be maintained at a low level. Since 2002, the coverage rates of iodized salt and the consumption rates of qualified iodized salt (the percentage of qualified iodized salt in all tested salt) increased and began to decline in 2012; they are expected to continue to decrease. Spatial epidemiological analysis indicated a positive spatial correlation in 2016–2018 and revealed feature regarding the spatial distribution of salt related indicators in coastal areas and areas near iodine-excess areas. ConclusionsIodine nutrition in China showed gradual improvements. However, a recent decline has been observed in some areas following changes in the iodized salt supply in China. In the future, more regulations regarding salt management should be issued to strengthen IDD control and prevention measures, and avoid the recurrence of IDD.

Diethylcarbamazine citrate-fortified salt for lymphatic filariasis elimination in India.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease, causing permanent disability. The disease is debilitating and widespread, leading to tremendous productivity and economic loss. The Government of India (GOI) prioritized the elimination of LF through the annual mass drug administration (MDA) programme in 2004 and continued with a single dose of diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC), 6 mg/kg of body weight, plus albendazole annually over a period of 5-6 years. The GOI had set the target to achieve LF elimination by 2015 and now by 2030. The progress so far has been suboptimal. Much remains to be done as about 84 per cent of the total 328 endemic districts are still under MDA. The major challenge in implementing MDA is poor compliance. It is necessary to have a feasible alternative strategy addressing the above challenge to achieve the desired goal of LF elimination. At this juncture, a well-researched approach, i.e. the use of DEC-fortified salt, also advocated by the World Health Organization, as a unique form of MDA, is proposed. As per this strategy, a low dose of DEC (0.2% w/w) is added to the cooking salt at the manufacturing facility of iodized salt and consumed by the LF-endemic communities for about two years. Many examples of successful use of this strategy for LF elimination in small- and large-scale trials have been documented in India and several other endemic countries in the world. Implementing DEC-iodine-fortified salt is a safe, less expensive, more efficient and prompt approach for achieving the elimination of LF in India. Adverse effects are none or minor and self-limiting. The DEC-fortified salt strategy can easily piggyback on the existing countrywide deployment of iodized salt under the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP), which has achieved a great success in reducing iodine-deficiency disorders such as hypothyroidism. This existing robust programme can be leveraged to launch DEC-fortified salt for the community. If implemented appropriately, this strategy will ensure the complete cessation of LF transmission within two years from its introduction. If the said strategy is implemented in 2022, it is expected that India will be able to achieve the LF elimination by 2024, much before the global target of 2030.

Assessment of Sustainable Elimination Criteria for Iodine Deficiency Disorders Recommended by International Organizations.

Enormous efforts have been made to evaluate the worldwide prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs). This study evaluated China's achievements in IDD prevention and control against WHO criteria for sustainable elimination of IDD. The study sample consisted of 556,390 school-aged children and 271,935 pregnant women enrolled in the 2018 China National IDD Surveillance. As a result, at the national level, median urine iodine concentration (MUIC) was 206.1 and 163.5 μg/l in children and in pregnant women, respectively. The proportion of households consuming adequate iodized salt (PHCAIS) was 90.2%. The prevalence rates of goiter in children and thyroid disease in pregnant women were 2.0 and 0.8%, respectively. MUIC showed significant non-linear increasing trends with increasing PHCAIS in both children and pregnant women. The prevalence of thyroid disease in pregnant women had a sharp decreasing trend with increasing PHCAIS. Of note, the prevalence of goiter in children and thyroid disease in pregnant women against MUIC both presented as significant U-shaped curves, with the lowest prevalence at 100–300 μg/l of MUIC in children and 150–250 μg/l in pregnant women. PHCAIS, MUIC, and the programmatic indicators at the national level were all above their cut-offs proposed in the 2007 Criteria. Evaluation by adding the prevalence of goiter (<5%) yielded the different results at the county level. Sustainable elimination of IDD has been achieved nationally. 2018 Chinese surveillance data support the expansion of global cut-offs for optimal iodine status in school-age children from 100–199 to 100–299 μg/l as recommended by others and the lower limit of MUIC (150 μg/l) in pregnant women also seems justified. Inclusion of goiter prevalence <5% in our analysis reduced the number of municipalities and counties which had achieved sustainable elimination of IDD.

Performance Evaluation of Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Program in Chikmagalur District: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Survey.

Routine evaluation of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) is done through a national program called National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Program (NIDDCP). The aim of this study is to determine the goiter prevalence, to estimate salt Iodine and urinary Iodine levels. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2700 school children across seven taluks of Chikmagalur. A total of 2700 children aged 6 to 12 years were selected from 30 clusters by multistage sampling method. The iodometric titration method and Sandell-Kolthoff method were used for the estimation of salt and urinary Iodine, respectively. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were used. The prevalence of goiter was 13.0%. About 153 (28.3%) salt samples had inadequate iodine content (<15 ppm). Median Urinary Iodine Excretion was 126 μg/L. Chikmagalur district is still at risk of a significant public health problem which needs timely interventions and appropriate measures to prevent further consequences due to IDDs.

Burden of iodine deficiency disorders and its association with various sociodemographic variables in a district of North East India.

Iodine is one such micronutrient, the deficiency of which can impair the mental growth and development of young children and is the leading cause of preventable mental impairment. The present study has been conducted to study the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) and its association with various sociodemographic variables among children (6-12 years) residing in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The sample size was 2700 with a multistage 30 cluster sampling method. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the various sociodemographic variables. The weight and height of each child were recorded as per the standard procedure. In order to assess goitre, children were examined as per standard procedures prescribed by the National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme (NIDDCP). A total of 2700 children were interviewed in total. Out of these, 1365 (50.5%) were males. The total goitre rate was found to be 195 (7.22%), indicating that IDDs are a mild public health problem in the study area. The median (interquartile range) urinary iodine excretion levels were 150 (108.05-189.37) mg/L. With respect to weight-for-age, it was observed that 93 (3.9%) children were severely underweight and 389 (16.8%) had severe stunting. A significant association was observed between goitre with the age group of children (p <.00001), maternal education (p <.00001), prevalence of stunting (p <.00001), and underweight (p <.05).

Progress in Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Control and Elimination in Europe and Central Asia Region (ECAR) in 2010–2020

Salt iodization in Europe and Central Asia Region (ECAR) c ountries has a long history. Universal salt iodization (USI) strategies were reintroduced in ECAR countries in the mid-1990s and gained strong momentum during the 2000–2009 decade: by the end of 2009, access to adequately iodized salt by the population in ECAR had risen to 55% — a quantum leap improvement compared to a previous decade but still short of the operational target of 90%. The objective of this review was to document the USI achievements and challenges in the 18 ECAR countries during the decade of 2010-2020 and developed recommendations for actions to maintain the USI. The review was conducted by analysis of information obtained from a variety of sources, including communication with UNICEF country offices, IGN National Coordinators as well as online resources and publications available publicly. Based on available information, countries of the ECAR fall into 3 groups. Group 1. USI at scale: 11 countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia) successfully sustained the adequate iodine status achieved earlier. This group should focus on USI maintenance ensuring that the USI target of uninterrupted universal use of iodized salt in households and food/bakery industry is included into relevant national programs, along with the salt reduction targets. Group 2. USI at scale but risk of slippage: 3 countries (Albania, Moldova and Kyrgyzstan) sustained the adequate iodine status of population but their household use of adequately iodized salt remains low and the use of iodized salt in processed foods — patchy, with weak regulatory monitoring and enforcement systems in place putting sustainability at risk. Recommendations for these countries are to secure strong regulatory monitoring and enforcement of the national iodized salt standards to ensure consistent and high (&gt;90%) use of iodized salt at household level as well as in production in key salt-containing industrially processed staple foods (especially, bread). Group 3. USI — more efforts needed: in 4 countries (Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan), the population and, specifically, most vulnerable groups continued to suffer from inadequate iodine status. This group of countries will need to enhance and expand their existing USI effort by better engaging with salt producers and private sector and identifying resources for improved regulatory monitoring. Adoption of USI legislation is paramount to reaching high iodized salt coverage and optimum iodine nutrition in Russia and Ukraine. The data and information in the present review confirm that USI strategy is successfully sustained in the majority of countries in the ECAR. The experiences in this region add to the growing evidence that USI is effective in alleviating iodine deficiency in the population and support the view that global success can be achieved by ensuring that food-grade salt iodization becomes the norm in the salt industry and society.

Assessment of Iodine Deficiency among School-Going Children of Age Group 6 to 12 Years in Kachchh District, Gujarat State: Cross-Sectional Hospital-Based Study

Aim Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is the cause of preventable brain damage, mental retardation, and stunted growth and development in children. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of IDD in Kachchh district, Gujarat, by testing urinary iodine excretion levels and iodine intake of salts in school-going children. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted and the level of iodine deficiency was assessed in 223 school children of both sexes, aged 6 to 12 years from four taluka s, that is, subdivisions, of the Kachchh district by estimating urinary iodine using Sandell–Kolthoff reaction along with iodine content in edible salt samples by MBI kit (STK-Spot testing kit, MBI Kits International, Chennai, TN, India). Results The median urinary iodine level was found to be 194 μg/L, indicating no biochemical iodine deficiency in the region. In the study areas, 1% of the population showed a level of urinary iodine excretion < 50 μg/L. About 83% salt samples had iodine level more than 15 ppm and the iodine content in salt samples less than 15 ppm was only about 17%, indicating the salt samples at households contain iodine in adequate level. Conclusion There is a need of periodic surveys to assess the change in magnitude of IDD with respect to impact of iodized salt intervention. Furthermore, to strengthen National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Program, factors should be identified. There is also a need to prevent and reimpose the ban on the sale of noniodized salts in Gujarat.

Performance evaluation of Iodine Deficiency Disorder control Program in Mandya District

Background: Considering the burden of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in our country, Government of India has an exclusive national health program to prevent it from becoming a major public health concern. To attain its objectives, National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Program (NIDDCP) undertakes routine evaluation of the Program all over the country. Aim &amp; Objective: To determine the prevalence of Goitre, to estimate Iodine content in salt samples and Iodine excretion in urine samples of schoolchildren aged between 6 to 12 years in Mandya district. Settings and Design: A cross sectional institutions based survey was conducted among schoolchildren from the villages in selected clusters of Mandya district. Materials and Methods: Probability Proportional to Size sampling method was used to select 30 clusters. 90 children aged between 6 to 12 years from each cluster were screened. Salt Iodine content was ascertained by Iodometric titration method and urinary Iodine excretion was estimated by Sandell-Kolthoff method. Statistical analysis used: Frequency, proportions and mean were calculated and inferential statistics were used. Results: Prevalence of Goitre was 4.4%, with higher prevalence among girls. 49.8% salt specimens lack adequate iodine (&lt;15ppm) at household level. Median UIE was 164 Micrograms /litre. Conclusions: As per the impact indicators, IDD is not a public health concern in Mandya district as of now.

A cross-sectional survey of iodine deficiency disorders among school children (aged: 6–12 years) in Kashmir valley, Northern India

Objectives of the Study: The objectives of the present study which was conducted in four districts of Kashmir valley (Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, and Srinagar) were to (1) estimate the “total goitre rate” (TGR) among schoolchildren in the age group of 6–12 years, (2) estimate the proportion of households with adequately iodized salt, and (3) to assess the dietary iodine intake by measuring urinary iodine levels. Study Design: Prospective, cross-sectional study. Methodology: The present study was conducted in the four districts of Kashmir Valley, namely Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, and Srinagar in March 2017. This was a school-based study among children in the age group of 6–12 years. For each district, 30 schools were randomly selected using Probability Proportionate to Size sampling. A total of 90 students (45 boys and 45 girls) were randomly selected from each school. Selected children were examined by trained doctors for the presence of goitre. Every 5th child in the school was selected for the collection of the salt sample from the child's house. Every 10th child in the school was selected for the collection of the urine sample for iodine estimation. Results: A total of 10,800 children in the age group of 6–12 years were examined in the four districts. The overall TGR for the four districts combined was 14.8%. The TGR was the highest in district Budgam (16.4%) and lowest in district Anantnag (13.8%). Across all districts, ≤1% of the examined children had a goitre of Grade II. In districts Baramulla, Budgam, and Srinagar, an increasing trend in TGR was observed with age. The median urinary iodine ranged from a minimum of 46.14 μg/L in district Baramulla to a maximum of 56.06 μg/L in district Anantnag. Conclusion: The TGR was high in all the four districts, way beyond the 10% iodine deficiency disorder control goal that was to be achieved by the year 2012. Moreover, the population level median urinary iodine was less than the recommended ≥100 μg/L in all the four districts. Except for district Anantnag, all three districts had median urinary iodine levels of <50 μg/L indicating moderate iodine deficiency.

Iodine Content of Packaged Salt and Related Knowledge and Storage Practices at Household Level in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Aims: Iodine deficiency disorders are one of the major public health concerns in Bangladesh. Regular consumption of iodized salt can help combat these disorders. The aims of this study were to determine the content of iodine in edible packaged salt and to assess iodized salt related knowledge and storage practices in Dhaka City, Bangladesh.&#x0D; Study Design: The study was an experimental cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted from June 2019 to July 2019 in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. A total of 120 households were selected for interview and packaged salt sample collection. The chemical analysis was done in the Food Analysis Laboratory of Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka.&#x0D; Methodology: A closed-ended questionnaire was used for collection of information. Iodometric titration method was used to determine the content of iodine in packaged salt samples.&#x0D; Results: The mean (±SD) iodine content in the salt samples was 31.469 (±10.196) ppm. More than 90% salt samples were adequately iodized. Twenty five percent of the respondents know that consumption of iodized salt helps prevent goiter. Only 10.8% of the respondents know that iodine content decreases if iodized salt is stored close to fire. About 87% of them store salt away from fire.&#x0D; Conclusion: Along with consuming packaged iodized salt, householders should be educated about iodized salt related knowledge and storage practices to control iodine deficiency disorders.

Availability of Adequately Iodized Dietary Salt and Associated Factors in a Town of Southeast Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background Iodine deficiency is the world's major cause of preventable intellectual impairment, and nearly 2 billion people are at risk of iodine deficiency worldwide. Prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders primarily aim at ensuring the intake of adequate iodine to maintain normal thyroid function. In our study area, studies regarding the coverage of adequately iodized salt at household level are meager. Hence, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of adequately iodized dietary salt at a household level in Kore Town, Southeast Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kore town from August 1 to 30, 2019. A total of 394 households were selected for this study using a simple random sampling technique. The level of salt iodine content was determined using the rapid field test kit. Then, iodine contents of dietary salt were reported as <15 parts per million and ≥15 parts per million. Data regarding sociodemographic factors, knowledge of respondents about iodized salt, and iodized salt handling practices were collected through a face-to-face interview. The binary logistic regression model was used to assess the association between independent factors and the outcome variable. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Result Out of all the households, 223 (56.6%) had adequately iodized salt. Not exposing iodized salt to sunlight (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.2), storing the salt at a dry or cold place [(AOR = 4.77, 95% CI: 1.39, 16.45) and (AOR = 8.23, 95% CI: 1.44, 47.19), respectively], and having good knowledge about iodized salt (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.18, 3.01) were significantly associated with the presence of adequately iodized salt at the household level. Conclusion Availability of adequately iodized salt in the study area was far below the World Health Organization recommendation. Information regarding the importance and proper handling of iodized dietary salt should be communicated to the householders.

Estimating the Health and Economic Benefits of Universal Salt Iodization Programs to Correct Iodine Deficiency Disorders.

Background: There has been tremendous progress over the past 25 years to control iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) through universal salt iodization (USI). In 2019, using the median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC), only 19 countries in the world are classified as iodine deficient; in contrast in 1993, using the total goiter rate (TGR), 113 countries were classified as iodine deficient. However, few analyses have tried to quantify the global health and economic benefits of USI programs, and the shift from TGR to MUIC as the main indicator of IDDs complicates assessment of progress.Methods: We used a novel approach to estimate the impact of USI on IDDs, applying a regression model derived from observational data on the relationship between the TGR and the MUIC from 24 countries. The model was used to generate hypothetical national TGR values for 2019 based on current MUIC data. TGR in 1993 and modeled TGR in 2019 were then compared for 139 countries, and using consequence modeling, the potential health and economic benefits realized between 1993 and 2019 were estimated.Results: Based on this approach, the global prevalence of clinical IDDs (as assessed by the TGR) fell from 13.1% to 3.2%, and 720 million cases of clinical IDDs have been prevented by USI (a reduction of 75.9%). USI has significantly reduced the number of newborns affected by IDDs, with 20.5 million cases prevented annually. The resulting improvement in cognitive development and future earnings suggest a potential global economic benefit of nearly $33 billion. However, 4.8 million newborns will be affected by IDDs in 2019, who will experience life-long productivity losses totaling a net present value of $12.5 billion.Conclusions: The global improvements in iodine status over the past 25 years have resulted in major health and economic benefits, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. Efforts should now focus on sustaining this achievement and expanding USI to reach the continuing large number of infants who remain unprotected from IDDs.

Iodine nutrition status of women after 10 years of Lipiodol supplementation: a cross-sectional study in Xinjiang, China.

This study examined the contribution of long-term use of Lipiodol capsules, as a supplement to iodised salt to the control of iodine deficiency disorders among women in Xinjiang of China. A total of 1220 women across Kashgar, Aksu, Turpan and Yili Prefectures were surveyed in 2017. Lipiodol capsules were administered twice yearly in Kashgar and once yearly in Aksu and Turpan, but not in Yili. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin antibody, thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroid volume values were assessed. All the women in the four areas were in a state of non-iodine deficiency by UIC. The UIC were higher than adequate in Kashgar and Aksu (619·4 v. 278·6 μg/l). Thyroid hormone levels differed significantly in Turpan and Yili (FT3: 4·4 v. 4·6 pmol/l, FT4: 13·8 v. 14·2 pmol/l, TSH: 2·0 v. 2·7 mIU/l), but did not differ significantly in Kashgar, Aksu and Yili. The four areas did not differ significantly with regard to thyroid nodules, autoimmune thyroiditis or goitre. However, the detection rates of subclinical hypothyroidism (16·6 %) and total thyroid dysfunction (25·4 %) were higher among women in Yili. The supplementation with Lipiodol capsules had improved the iodine nutrition status of women in iodine-deficient areas of Xinjiang since 2006. To avoid negative effects of excess iodine, we suggest a gradual discontinuation of Lipiodol capsules in women with special needs based on the existing iodine nutrition level of local women.

Assessment of Iodine in Salt Samples from North Delhi Schools

Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for normal thyroid function, growth, and development. Iodine deficiency can lead to a variety of health and developmental consequences known as Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs). Realizing the magnitude of the problem and to ensure its prevention by 100% consumption of adequately iodized salt (≥15ppm), National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) is being implemented in India. However, periodic assessment of the salt used is needed to ensure the same. Hence, with the objective of assessment of iodine, household salt samples were collected from students of four schools in North Delhi in October 2019. Awareness programme was also planned among the school children in view of Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day. The iodine content of the salt was estimated by standard iodometric titration method. 10 (10.4 %) salt samples were found to have iodine content &lt; 15 ppm. Reasons for low iodine content in the 10 samples need to be assessed along with the information regarding the type of salt used. Measures need to be taken to ensure 100 % consumption of adequately iodized salt (≥ 15 ppm). Also, such periodic assessment should be undertaken to find out the situation in different schools.

Assessment of Iodine Status in Iranian Students Aged 8-10 Years: Monitoring the National Program for the Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in 2016

Iodine is a key element in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The deficiency of the secretion of them will Reduce IQ, disturbance in the psychomotor growth and shortened height. Urinary iodine is a good indicator of iodine intake status. Urinary iodine status in at-risk groups is one of the most important indicators of community status. All 56 universities/medical faculties in Iran should determine and report median urinary iodine and its relative distribution in school children aged 8 to 10 yr, to determine the status of urine output. The sample size in each university/college is 240 students and the cluster sampling method (48 clusters in each area in 2016) and based on probability Measurement. The amount of urinary iodine was measured quantitatively by acid digestion. The mean urinary iodine excretion was estimated at 18.61 μg/dl. The median urinary iodine concentration in 52 universities was sufficient, and the national mean of urinary iodine excretion rate was 19.3 μg/dl. The iodine status was estimated in the optimal range in 65.6% of the students and in only 4.7% in the range of moderate and severe deficits, based on the urinary iodine index. Iodine is sufficient in most parts of the country. The implementation of the country's national program for the prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders has made more important the quality control of the collaborative laboratories of this program than before. Moreover, it is absolutely essential to avoid excessive iodine in order to prevent possible side effects.

Iodine Status of Brazilian School-Age Children: A National Cross-Sectional Survey.

Salt iodization is the main public health policy to prevent and control iodine deficiency disorders. The National Salt Iodization Impact Assessment Survey (PNAISAL) was conducted to measure iodine concentration among Brazilian schoolchildren. A survey including 6–14-year-old schoolchildren from public and private schools from all 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District was carried out in the biennia 2008–2009 and 2013–2014. Municipalities, schools, and students were randomly selected. Students were interviewed at school using a standard questionnaire, which included the collection of demographic, educational, weight, height, and 10 mL non-fasting urine collection information. The analyses were weighted according to the population of students per federative unit. The median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) for the entire sample by region, federative unit per school, and student characteristics, was described from the cutoff points defined by the World Health Organization (severe disability: <20 µg/L, moderate: 20–49 µg/L, mild: 50–99 µg/L, adequate: 100–199 µg/L, more than adequate: 200–299 µg/L, and excessive: >300 µg/L). In total, 18,864 students (95.9% of the total) from 818 schools in 477 municipalities from all federative units were included in this study. Almost 70% were brown skin color, nine-years-old or older, studied in urban schools, and were enrolled in elementary school. The prevalence of overweight/obesity, as measured by body mass index (BMI) for age, was about twice as high compared to nutritional deficits (17.3% versus 9.6%). The MUIC arrived at 276.7 µg/L (25th percentile = 175.5 µg/L and 75th percentile = 399.71 µg/L). In Brazil as a whole, the prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe deficit was 6.9%, 2.6%, and 0.6%, respectively. About one-fifth of the students (20.7%) had adequate iodine concentration, while 24.9% and 44.2% had more than adequate or excessive concentration, respectively. The prevalence of iodine deficits was significantly higher among younger female students from municipal public schools living in rural areas with the lowest BMI. The median urine iodine concentration showed that Brazilian students have an adequate nutritional intake, with a significant proportion of them evidencing overconsumption of this micronutrient.

Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders — China, 1995–2020

Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders — China, 1995–2020