Correction Of Iodine Deficiency Research Articles

Predictors of autoimmune thyroid disease

This case-control study sought to investigate whether thyroid autoimmunity is significantly associated with identifiable and potentially modifiable environmental factors. A total of 324 individuals were recruited: 164 cases (with positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies [TPO-Ab] and/or thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies [TSH-R Ab]) and 160 controls (negative antibodies) who had been screened for thyroid autoimmunity within the previous 12 months. A questionnaire sought information on drug, social, and reproductive history, stress, and iodine intake, while blood specimens were collected to measure glycosylated hemoglobin, thyroid function, TPO-Ab/TSH-R Ab status, 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, and hepatitis C antibody status. Both TPO-Ab–positive and TSH-R Ab–positive individuals were exposed to a higher amount of smoking pack-years (P = 0.038 and 0.037, respectively). No significant predictors of TSH-R Ab positivity were identified on multivariate regression analysis. The odds for TPO-Ab positivity was increased by female gender (odds ratio [OR] 2.815, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.387, 5.714; P = 0.004) and discontinuation of smoking (OR 2.367, 95% CI, 1.213, 4.621; P = 0.012), while birth in winter (OR 0.470, 95% CI, 0.253, 0.871; P = 0.017) and higher intake of iodine-rich foods (OR 0.864, 95% CI, 0.761, 0.981; P = 0.024) decreased the odds for TPO-Ab development. Therefore, avoidance of ever starting smoking and correction of iodine deficiency may help protect against TPO-Ab development.

The Impact of Iodine Concentration Disorders on Health and Cancer.

Iodine deficiency is an ongoing problem. The implementation of salt iodization has significantly reduced the effects of iodine deficiency worldwide in recent years, and the remaining iodine deficiency is mild to moderate. Iodine is an essential substrate for the synthesis of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. It can also act as an antioxidant, as well as an anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic factor. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children are particularly affected by iodine deficiency. It leads to thyroid diseases and metabolic and developmental disorders, as well as cancer. However, an excessive iodine intake may, similarly to iodine deficiency, lead to the development of goiter, and toxic amounts of iodine can lead to thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism, and even to the development of papillary thyroid cancer. Correcting iodine deficiency potentially reduces the chance of developing malignancies. Additional research is needed to better understand both the effect of iodine on carcinogenesis and the clinical outcome of iodine deficiency compensation on cancer patients’ prognosis. The upcoming public health challenge appears to be reducing salt consumption, which could result in a lower iodine intake. Thus, an iodine enrichment vehicle other than salt could be considered if salt iodine levels are not increased to compensate, and urine iodine levels should be monitored more frequently.

Состояние здоровья организованных детей раннего возраста в зависимости от уровня обеспечения йодом. Возможности коррекции

Insufficient iodine intake is most dangerous during the prenatal stage and in early childhood. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of iodine deficiency correction in toddlers attending kindergarten. Patients and methods. Efficacy of iodine prophylaxis was analyzed in three stages: 1) in infancy depending on iodine level in breast milk; 2) after one year of age when children started to receive regular food (according to age-specific reference ranges); 3) correction of iodine deficiency in children receiving adapted stage 3 baby formula. Results. We found that smoking, physical inactivity, anemia, and exposure to harmful chemicals had a negative impact on iodine level in the breast milk. Children whose mothers received potassium iodide demonstrated normal coefficient of neuropsychiatric development by their third month of life significantly more often than those whose mothers did not receive potassium iodide (in this group every second infant had some developmental delay). None of the children over 1 year of age who started to receive regular food had severe iodine deficiency. Nutritional correction with adapted stage 3 baby formula in 50 children aged 1 to 3 years ensured positive changes in their health status with a 2-fold decrease in vegetative complaints. Receiving of an adapted stage 3 baby formula increased median urinary iodine excretion from 78 μg/L [34–112] to 113 μg /L [55–174]. Key words: adapted baby formula, toddlers, iodine deficiency, correction, median urinary iodine excretion

Вивчення йодної забезпеченості школярів м. Києва та шляхи корекції виявлених порушень

Актуальність. Нестача йоду в довкіллі є однією з актуальних медико-соціальних проблем у багатьох країнах світу. Дефіцит йоду є важливим чинником ризику відставання у фізичному розвитку, зниження пам’яті, здатності до аналізу та абстрактного мислення. Традиційно в Україні проблема йодної недостатності була актуальною в західних регіонах, але дослідження останніх років свідчать про існування помірного йододефициту на всій території. Метою нашого дослідження була оцінка стану йодного забезпечення школярів молодших класів м. Києва. Матеріали та методи. Проведено обстеження 52 дітей віком 6–12 років, яке передбачало анкетування родини з питань поінформованості щодо наслідків йодного дефіциту та частоти вживання продуктів харчування, що містять йод, об’єктивне та ультразвукове дослідження щитоподібної залози, визначення йодурії у разових порціях сечі. Результати. Йодна недостатність виявлена у 87 % школярів, переважно легкого ступеня. Дифузний зоб 1-го ступеня діагностований у 23 % обстежених. З метою корекції йододефіциту використовувався продукт нового покоління — йодис-концентрат у вигляді водного розчину. Висновки. Дослідження йодної забезпеченості школярів віком 6–12 років м. Києва показало наявність йододефіциту легкого та середнього ступеня у 87 % дітей (відповідно у 68 та 19 %). У 12 (23 %) дітей діагностовано збільшення об’єму щитоподібної залози за нормальної ехогенності та однорідної ехоструктури. Недостатня забезпеченість йодом зумовлена нераціональним харчуванням, відсутністю масової, групової та індивідуальної йодної профілактики, низькою санітарно-гігієнічною культурою населення. Школярам із йододефіцитом призначалась індивідуальна дотація йоду у вигляді водного розчину йодис-концентрату протягом 12 місяців, що дозволило суттєво покращити стан йодного забезпечення дітей, нормалізувати рівень йодурії. Раннє виявлення йодного дефіциту та його корекція є перспективним напрямком сучасної педіатрії щодо профілактики захворювань щитоподібної залози та зниження ризиків реалізації інфекційно-респіраторної, алергічної та метаболічної патології.

Thyroid health in big city realities

Thyroid gland (ThG) diseases lead at structure of the endocrine diseases. At the same time ThG-diseases frequency are age-associated and depend from influence of combination of negative external risk factors (Iodine deficiency, Selenium deficiency, technogenic stress rising, environmental pollution, high level of urbanization). Iodine prophylaxis is necessary at the all age groups and requires for pregnant woman. The legislative Iodine prophylaxis predetermines primarily the reduction of the frequency of occurrence of such ThG-diseases as diffuse euthyroid goiter and nodule goiter. The appearance and progression of diffuse euthyroid goiter are more typical for rural. The adequate (without overdosing) correction of Iodine deficiency is necessary in order to avoid the hypothyroidism, what is especially important for coastal urban and rural. It is noted the rising of the frequency of occurrence of autoimmune ThG-diseases and ThG antibodies carrying, including autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes. Selenium deficiency and Vitamin D deficiency must be adjusted along with Iodine deficiency. The natural and the technogenic strumogenes negatively effluenced to ThG are considered. It was proposed to consider the frequency of occurrence of ThG-cancer as the marker of ecological pollution. It was observed the connection of depression and ThG-function. The rural inhabitation affected to the severity of depression that is more actually for postmenopausal women. At the same time the correct formation of the urban landscape (in reorganization context) promotes the maintainance of ThG’s metabolic health.

ENGLISH VERSION: AGE FEATURES OF RADIOACTIVE IODINE (131I) ABSORPTION BY RAT THYROID GLANDS IN CORRECTION OF THE DIETARY IODINE DEFICIENCY WITH ORGANIC IODINE

The structure of endocrine morbidity is characterized by a significant spread of thyroid pathology. The insufficient efficacy of inorganic iodine drugs poses the problem of search for new means for iodine deficiency treatment and prevention. Given the progressive aging of the population in economically developed countries, the purpose of the study was to clarify the effect of organic iodine on the features of absorption and elimination of radioactive iodine from the thyroid glands of variously aged rats in the conditions of iodine deficiency in the diet. The study was performed on nonlinear white male rats in two series of studies that were kept on iodine-deficient isocaloric starch-casein diet for 60 days: the first series included two groups of old rats weighing 0.400-0.450 kg, the second series – two groups of sexually immature rats weighing 0.060-0.090 kg. There were 5 rats in each group. In animals of the experimental groups in each series, 10% of casein in the diet was replaced with organic iodine, which came with iodine-protein preparation from the red Black Sea algae Phyllophora nervosa. The functional state of the thyroid gland was studied using the Sodium Iodide Na 131 I Injection drug. The dosimetry was performed using the STS-6 Geiger-Muller Detector. Radioindication of the thyroid gland was carried out after subcutaneous administration of 0.1 ml of 131I solution at the following time intervals: 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after administration of 131I. The study results were presented as a percentage of the radioiodine dose administered, adjusted for natural radioactivity background and the radioactive decay of the drug. It was found that in the iodine deficiency conditions, the thyroid glands of old rats have higher rates of radioiodine absorption and a lower rate of its excretion than the glands of immature rats, which indicates their lower iodine reserve and greater liability to iodine deficiency pathology. Intake of organic iodine regardless of the rats’ age is accompanied by a decrease in radioiodine accumulation and acceleration of its excretion from the thyroid gland, which indicates a decrease in functional stress, but the glands of older rats absorb more iodine and excrete it more slowly, indicating less effective correction of iodine deficiency with age. Reduced functional activity of the thyroid glands in old rats can be used as a sensitive changes marker for the in-depth study of thyrotropic and thyroid disrupting effects.

The Characteristics of Iodine Nutrition Status in China after 20 Years of USI: An Epidemiology Study Covering 31 Provinces

Background: The mandatory universal salt iodization (USI) program has been implemented in China for about twenty years to correct iodine deficiency. At present, the actual iodine nutrition status of Chinese residents and whether they are adversely affected by iodine excess are issues of general concerns. Method: A nationally representative cross-sectional study was conducted. 78,470 participants, aged 18 or older, were enrolled from all 31 provincial regions of mainland China. The participants were interviewed and given a questionnaire. Urine iodine concentration (UIC) were measured by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) method. The goiter was examined by thyroid ultrasonography. The iodine category was based on the criteria of WHO. Results: The iodized salt coverage is 95·37% in the general population. The median urine iodine (MUI) was 177·89μg/L (interquartile range, 117·89-263·90μg/L) in the general population with goiter prevalence 1·17% (95%CI, 0·95-1·43%). The MUI was 199·7(interquartile range, 128·46-303·02) in school age children with prevalence of goiter 3·50% (95% CI, 2·93% to 4·13%). The percentage of moderate iodine deficiency (UIC<50μg/L) was 3·43%. The subjects with adequate iodine and more than adequate iodine in total accounting for 63·44% of the whole population. The data also manifested that gender, age, ethnic, geographic factors, BMI, smoking habits, education and income levels have a certain degree of influence on the iodine nutrition level. Conclusion: The mandatory USI program in China has successfully eliminated iodine deficiency disorders for 20 years. Our epidemiological investigation suggested that the iodine nutrition level of Chinese residents is generally within the safe range. Funding Statement: This work is supported by the Research Fund for Public Welfare from National Health and Family Planning Commission of China (Grant No. 201402005). Declaration of Interests: There is no conflict in interest. Ethics Approval Statement: The research protocols were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of China Medical University.

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.

Prevention of iodine deficiency: awareness and consumer choice of the university students

Introduction. The territory of the Republic of Khakassia is endemic for goiter, in this regard, both the prevention and correction of iodine deficiency are very important. University students are a part of society, which makes up its main reproductive reserve, and the increased level of intellectual load on the background of adaptation to new living conditions and the educational process requires the adequate provision of iodine, the lack of which can negatively affect their health. The purpose of research. Assess the level of awareness and commitment to preventative behavior of University students. Material and methods. To assess the level of awareness about the negative consequences of iodine deficiency and its prevention, a questionnaire was developed for students. 452 freshmen (281 girls and 171 boys) of Khakass State University took part in an anonymous sociological poll voluntarily. Results. When analyzing interview data, it was determined only 61.6% of students to be aware of the problem of biosphere iodine deficiency in the republic; 18.8% of students found it difficult to name the clinical manifestations of iodine deficiency conditions and the most sensitive periods of ontogenesis to iodine deficiency. Methods for the prevention of iodine deficiency 25% of students consider inaccessible and expensive. 39.6% of students buy iodized salt, but only 65.5% of them are aware of the peculiarities of its storage at home and 37.5% are correctly used in cooking (before serving and at the end of cooking). It was noted the low level of regular consumption of foods rich in iodine: in 70% of respondents, these dishes were in the diet less than once a week; and 38.9% of students practically do not eat seafood. Only 2.1% of respondents constantly took iodine-containing drugs; 53.9% of the students did not use the medicine at all, and the rest of the students received iodine occasionally. However, only 4.7% of students taking drugs received an adequate prophylactic dose of iodine. Discussion. Despite the activities carried out in Khakassia in 2014-2016 as part of the program for the prevention of diseases caused by micronutrient deficiency, the study participants have an average awareness of the consequences and availability of measures for the prevention of iodine deficiency. Even among students who are aware of the problem of iodine deficiency conditions, less than half of the respondents understand the importance of eating iodized salt to reduce the overall incidence rate, maintain intellectual performance and reproductive well-being. Our results are consistent with data from surveys conducted in other regions of the country. Conclusions. To preserve and improve the somatic, mental and reproductive health of youth of Khakassia, it is necessary to strengthen the educational component of regional programs for the prevention of iodine deficiency diseases.

Iodine deficiency in Israeli pregnant women \u2013 a time for action

Iodine is an essential micronutrient for thyroid gland function. Iodine deficiency disorders are a spectrum of conditions affecting the fetus, child, adolescent and adult. Iodine requirements are increased in pregnancy in order that the fetus receives enough maternal thyroxine via transplacental passage. Previous studies in Israel have shown widespread iodine deficiency by measurement of urinary iodine concentrations in school age children and adults. The present study clearly shows iodine deficiency in a group of 2nd trimester women as judged by measurement of serum thyroglobulin (a recently evaluated marker of iodine deficiency). An additional factor in this work is that the subjects all resided in an area using desalinated water. Desalination has previously been shown to significantly reduce the iodine content of water compared to water in Israel not subject to this process.The data in this group of pregnant women should serve as a wakeup call to the public health community to correct this deficiency which is known to significantly affect child neurodevelopment. There are several issues to be addressed. The knowledge base relating to iodine nutrition especially during pregnancy is low. An educational plan is required. The strategy for achieving adequate iodine nutrition in the population and particularly before and during pregnancy requires urgent review. While iodine supplementation before and during gestation can correct iodine deficiency, the provision of iodised salt in the community is recommended, similar to more than 80% of countries in the world.It is indeed a time for action to ensure the adequate intellectual performance of Israel’s children.

MORPHOBIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF THE SHEEP ORGANISM AND THEIR ADJUSTMENT IN THE CONDITIONS OF IODINE DEFICIENCY

Aim.Widespread iodine deficiency causing endemic diseases in the highlands of the North Caucasus relate to the iodine epidemic. This type of pathology causes economic damage to the livestock industry, including sheep. In this regard, the aim of this work was to study morphobiochemical changes, hormonal (thyroid) background, immune reactivity in Karachai sheep during ontogenesis in different ecological zones with different iodine availability levels as well as to consider the effect of exogenous hormone (thyroxine) on the immune status of young stock under conditions of iodine deficiency and determine promising ways of developing an effective method of prevention and treatment against the pathology.Methods.We conducted an analysis of the blood of lambs aged 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 months kept in conditions of unequal iodine provision. The serum concentration of thyroid hormones (T3, T4) was evaluated by the results of an enzyme immunoassay, morphobiochemical status and immune reactivity by hematological, biochemical analysis, correction of iodine deficiency by intramuscular injections of thyroxine at a dose of 1 mg/kg with an interval of 2-3 months.Results.The ontogenetic features of the formation of morphobiochemical systems, hormonal background, immune status in sheep kept in different climatic zones with different iodine provision were established.Conclusion.Disorders of hematopoietic function, differences in hematological parameters, hypoproteinemia, changes in hormonal levels, low levels of immunocompetent T and B cells in the blood of sheep from different zones were detected. It was established that the metabolic response to exogenous thyroxine contributed to the normalization of metabolic processes and activation of cellular immunity.

The role of food in prevention and correction of iodine deficiency in the endemic territory

Iodine supply remains the global problem due to the wide prevalence and a wide range of clinical manifestations in all age groups of population. However, iodine deficiency is a nutritional deficiency and the solution of this problem lies in the organization of rational nutrition of the population. The purpose of this study was to examine the food features of the population of the mild iodine-deficient region from the standpoint of adequacy of iodine sufficiency. The analysis of nutrition of the population of Tyumen Region in 2005 and 2016 was carried out according to official statistics of Tyumenstat; results of sanitary-hygienic and biomedical monitoring for the period from 1994 to 2016. A sociological study was conducted on a representative nested sample using the questionnaire method. The study involved schoolchildren (n=744) and their parents (n=677), students and full-time students (n=623). Probabilistic was sampling and nesting. Statistical sampling error does not exceed 4%. Analysis of the level of food consumption by residents of the Tyumen region over the period from 2005 to 2016 showed an increase in consumption per capita of fish and fish products (from 23.8 kg in 2005 to 33.1 kg in 2016 at recommended level of 22 kg). At the same time, a sociological study showed that only 1-4% of the population consumed iodine-rich products daily and only 53% of respondents regularly used iodized salt. The analysis of the results of biomedical monitoring over the 20-year period of the existence of preventive programs in the Tyumen region showed significant improvements in the situation in the region: median of ioduria increased significantly from 77 to 125 μg/l and the incidence of goiter in pre-pubertal children decreased from 85% in 1994 to 6.8% in 2016 (р=0,001); the incidence of neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia significantly decreased from 44.3% in 1994 to 3.9% in 2017 (р=0,001). However, most indicators did not reach the target values recommended for iodine-rich region, which indicated the insufficient effectiveness of the existing voluntary prevention system. The solution of this problem is using of iodine-enriched foods of mass consumption, such as bread and bakery products.

The Role of Insulin Resistance/Hyperinsulinism on the Rising Trend of Thyroid and Adrenal Nodular Disease in the Current Environment.

Thyroid follicular cells, as well as adrenocortical cells, are endowed by an intrinsic heterogeneity regarding their growth potential, in response to various stimuli. This heterogeneity appears to constitute the underlying cause for the focal cell hyperplasia and eventually the formation of thyroid and adrenal nodules, under the influence of growth stimulatory factors. Among the main stimulatory factors are the pituitary tropic hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or thyrotropin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which regulate the growth and function of their respective target cells, and the insulin/insulin-like growth factor system, that, through its mitogenic effects, can stimulate the proliferation of these cells. The predominance of one or the other of these growth stimulatory factors appears to determine the natural history of thyroid and adrenal nodular disease. Thus, iodine deficiency was, in the past, the main pathogenic factor responsible, through a transient rise in TSH secretion, for the endemic nodular goiter with the characteristic colloid thyroid nodules among the inhabitants in iodine deficient areas. The correction of iodine deficiency was followed by the elimination of endemic colloid goiter and the emergence of thyroid autoimmunity. The recent epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS), or insulin resistance syndrome, has been associated with the re-emergence of nodular thyroid disease. A parallel rise in the incidence of benign, nonfunctional adrenocortical tumors, known as adrenal incidentalomas, has also been reported in association with the manifestations of the MS. It is likely that the compensatory to insulin resistance hyperinsulinemia may be responsible for the rising trend of thyroid and adrenal nodular disease in the current environment.

КОРРЕКЦИЯ МИКРОНУТРИЕНТНОГО СТАТУСА У НАСЕЛЕНИЯ ИРКУТСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ КАК РЕЗЕРВ СНИЖЕНИЯ МЛАДЕНЧЕСКОЙ СМЕРТНОСТИ

Aim: to establish a link between the level of folic acid, vitamin D and iodine consumption, and infant and perinatal&#x0D; mortality, morbidity of childhood tuberculosis in the Irkutsk region.&#x0D; Consumption of folate in the form of a single-agent preparation increased 3 times in 5 years. Consumption of folic acid&#x0D; in women at the stage of preconception and pregnancy affected the reduction of perinatal (R = –0.9; p = 0.016) and&#x0D; infant (R = –0.89; p = 0.04) mortality, including neonatal (R = –0.89; p = 0.039).&#x0D; Preventive supplementation of vitamin D of people in the region over the past 5 years has increased by 70 %, and infant&#x0D; mortality fell by 35.5 %. Infant (R = –0.94; p = 0.01) and especially post-neonatal (R = –0.97; p = 0.004) mortality are&#x0D; controllable and depend on the prevention of hypovitaminosis D. The understanding of the role of vitamin D in trigger-&#x0D; ing the synthesis of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin opens prospects for using it as a medicine for prevention and&#x0D; treatment of childhood tuberculosis. The incidence of pediatric tuberculosis in the region during this period decreased&#x0D; by 46 % (R = –0.95; p = 0.01).&#x0D; Correction of iodine deficiency in pregnant women and children caused the reduction of perinatal (R = –0.99; p = 0.07),&#x0D; early neonatal (R = –0.99; p = 0.05), neonatal (R = –0.98; p = 0.06) and post-neonatal (R = –0.99; p = 0.002) infant&#x0D; mortality.

Iodine supplementation for women during the preconception, pregnancy and postpartum period.

Iodine supplementation for women during the preconception, pregnancy and postpartum period.

The way forward in Italy for iodine.

Italy is dealing with iodine deficiency since ancient times. In 1848 an ad hoc committee appointed by the king of Sardinia, identified extensive areas afflicted by endemic goiter and endemic cretinism in Piedmont, Liguria and Sardinia. Since then many epidemiological studies have been conducted in our country. These showed that iodine deficiency was present not only in mountain areas but also in coastal areas. In 1972 the iodization of salt at 15 mg/kg was allowed by law and iodized salt was distributed on request to selected endemic areas. Five years later the distribution was extended to the whole country. However the sale of iodized salt was not mandatory at that time and only a small fraction of the Italian population started using iodized salt. In 1991 the content of iodine in the salt was raised to 30 mg/kg and in 2005 a nationwide salt iodization program was finally implemented. Some years later a nationwide monitoring program of iodine prophylaxis was also implemented. Since 2005 the sale of iodized salt in Italian supermarkets has increased (34% in 2006, 55% in 2012), although it has been observed that the use of iodized salt is still low in the communal eating areas and in the food industry. These data are coherent with recent epidemiological studies showing that some regions in our country are still characterized by mild iodine deficiency and a high frequency of goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders. This implies that further efforts should be made to successfully correct iodine deficiency in Italy.

Iodine supplementation in pregnancy – is it time?

Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormone and optimal foetal neurological development. Pregnant women living in borderline or moderate-severe iodine deficient areas are at particularly high risk of being iodine deficient, and this may have important clinical consequences, particularly for the neurocognitive development of the offspring. It is a substantial problem and many countries including the United Kingdom are mild-moderately iodine deficient. Although the detrimental effects of severe iodine deficiency are well recognized, the benefits of correcting mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency are unclear due to a lack of randomized controlled trials in this area. However, observational data increasingly indicate that there may be substantial health and economic benefits from correcting iodine deficiency in pregnancy. There is now a growing trend from learned societies that iodine supplementation should be utilized in pregnancy in countries with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency. The dose of iodine supplement needs to reflect local iodine status and iodization policies and will need careful monitoring at the population level to ensure doses to prevent under/excess dosing which would undermine the potential benefits. National tailored guidance is therefore essential.

Analysis of meat production of functional use for correction of iodine deficiency

The article contains a review of the available literature on nutrition problem of people that live in ecologically unfavorable conditions and regions with iodine deficiency. The issues of the possibility of iodine deficiency correction by introducing a diet of meat products of functional use are discussed in details. The possibility of using these products as part of a variety of sources of organic and mineral iodine. It was found that the most affordable way is to use the iodized salt, but this approach has a number of controversial issues, which are completely eliminated while using the organic iodine. One of the most accessible sources of organic iodine in Ukraine are the algae, which also contain a molecular iodine synergist - selenium, which is actively involved in the production of thyroid hormones. Ratio iodine:selenium is 1.0:0.7 that is optimal for synthesis of thyroxine (T 4 ) and triiodothyronine (T 3 ). The author of the report is focuses on the use of algae as well as on preparations based on it with the technologies of meat products production with functional ingredients to eliminate the risk of goitrogenic diseases.

Effect of maternal iodine supplementation on thyroid function and birth outcome in goiter endemic areas

Objective:The study was undertaken to examine the clinical and endocrine parameters of thyroid in a total of 460 pregnant women belonging to non-goiter areas (group 1; n = 156) and endemic areas without (group 2; n = 154) and with iodine supplementation (group 3; n = 150), and their respective newborns.Methods:Women of group 3 with visible goiter were administered two capsules of iodized oil orally each containing 200 mg of iodine, from weeks 6--8 of pregnancy. Blood samples were obtained from all groups during each trimester, at parturition (umbilical cord blood) and after delivery. Serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured by specific enzyme immunoassays.Results:In group 2, serum T4 concentrations were low while T3 and TSH levels were high which showed hypothyroidism in the women of endemic areas. Goiter size decreased in most of the subjects who received a single dose of iodized oil and resulted in increase in serum concentrations of thyroid hormones; whereas, TSH levels decreased. Iodine supplementation also resulted in raised T4 and low TSH levels in the cord blood of neonates. During the course of study, two abortions, three still births and one cretin were reported in group 2; none was reported in group 3; and one still birth was reported in group 1.Conclusions:The oral administration of a single dose of iodized oil is capable of correcting iodine deficiency both clinically and endocrinologically in mothers and neonates. Iodine supplementation has the potential to positively impact the birth weight of newborns.

Voluntary supplementation does not fully correct iodine deficiency among Latvian pregnant women: a national cross-sectional survey

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