Iodine Deficiency Disease Research Articles

Research on food security issues considering changes in rainfall

Ensuring food security is not only vital to the adequate supply of food in the world, but also the key to the economic development and social stability of various countries. Based on the panel data of 29 provinces in China from 2016 to 2020, this paper selects the number of foodborne diseases patients and iodine deficiency disease patients as reference objects, uses stunting rate of children under 5 years old, malnutrition rate of children under 5 years old, obesity rate of children under 5 years old, and newborn visit rate to measure improving nutrition, proposes Meta Entropy Two-Stage Dynamic Direction Distance Function (DDF) Under an exogenous Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to measure the efficiency of hunger eradication, food security, and improving nutrition under the influence of exogenous variable rainfall. The research results indicate that the sustainability of China’s agricultural economy is insufficient, and the focus of attention should be different in different stages. In addition, the average efficiency of the three regions generally shows a decreasing level in the eastern, western, and central regions. In order to improve China's ability to guarantee food security, we must continue to strengthen the construction of agricultural infrastructure, increase policy support for green agricultural production, promote the diversification of agricultural production, and enrich people’s agricultural product consumption varieties.

Analysis of iodine nutritional status of children aged 8-10 years in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2021

Objective: To analyze the iodine nutrition status of children aged 8 to 10 years in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2021. Methods: A multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to select non-residential children aged 8 to 10 years from 90 counties in Zhejiang Province. A total of 114 103 children were included in the study from 2016 to 2021. Direct titration method and arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry were used to detect salt iodine content and urinary iodine level, respectively, to evaluate the iodine nutritional status of children. Ultrasound was used to detect thyroid volume and analyze the current prevalence of goiter in school-age children. Results: The age of 114 103 children was (9.04 ± 0.81) years old, with 50.0% of (57 083) boys. The median of iodine content M (Q1, Q3) in children's household salt was 23.00 (19.80, 25.20) mg/kg, including 17 242 non-iodized salt, 6 173 unqualified iodized salt, and 90 688 qualified iodized salt. The coverage rate of iodized salt was 84.89%, and the coverage rate of qualified iodized salt was 79.48%. The proportion of non-iodized salt increased from 11.85% in 2016 to 16.04% in 2021 (χ2trend=111.427, P<0.001). The median of urinary iodine concentration M (Q1, Q3) in children was 182.50 (121.00, 261.00) μg/L, among which the proportions of iodine deficiency, iodine suitability, iodine over suitability, and iodine excess were 17.25% (19 686 cases), 39.21% (44 745 cases), 26.85% (30 638 cases), and 16.68% (19 034 cases), respectively. The median of urinary iodine concentration in children in inland areas [M (Q1, Q3): 190.90 (128.80, 269.00) μg/L] was significantly higher than that in children in coastal areas [M (Q1, Q3): 173.00 (113.00, 250.30) μg/L] (P<0.001). From 2016 to 2021, a total of 39 134 ultrasound examinations were conducted, and 1 229 cases of thyroid enlargement were detected. The goiter rate was 3.14% (95%CI: 2.97%-3.32%). The incidence of goiter in children in coastal areas [3.45% (95%CI: 3.19%-3.72%), 641/18 604] was higher than that in children in inland areas [2.86% (95%CI: 2.64%-3.10%), 588/20 530] (P=0.001). Conclusion: From 2016 to 2021, the iodine nutrition level of children aged 8-10 years in Zhejiang Province is generally suitable, and the rate of goiter in children meets the limit of iodine deficiency disease elimination standards.

Structural Characterization of Salts Using X-ray Fluorescence Technique

This study investigates the structure of 21 table salts that were collected from different local markets in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The major trace elements and iodine concentrations in tablesalt are analyzed through the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique and the titration method, respectively. The study shows that using XRF spectral analysis, the collected table salt samples are rich in chlorine, sodium, and contain a lower percentage of bromine, strontium, tin, tellurium, and iodine. Moreover, these samples have a high percentage of sulfur and sirconium, where the molybdenum is &gt;0.2%. Other elements such as zinc and copper are essential and found in low concentrations &lt;0.0086% and 0.001%. Iodine is a trace element that is necessary nutrients for human life, and it is naturally present in some foods. Iodine deficiency is brought on by a lack of iodine consumption. Iodized salt is highly recommended as a source of iodine to prevent iodine deficiency disease. Iodine is added to table salt in two different ways, either through iodate or through iodine. The results show that only 25% of the salt samples have an adequate level of iodine, while the other samples have low or no iodine content. According to the World Health Organization, quality of salt depends on iodine concentration and other trace elements, which are necessary for human health.

Setting India on the Wrong Path: Robert McCarrison’s Goitre Research, 1906–35

This article examines how Dr. Robert McCarrison’s goitre research in British India in the early twentieth century established his credentials as a medical researcher. It argues that the recognition that McCarrison achieved in this field had more to do with the fact that his research was conducted in a colonial non-Western locale. McCarrison resisted the Iodine Deficiency Disease explanation for goitre and critiqued successful public health initiatives conducted in the USA and Switzerland that involved distributing iodised salt or iodine supplements to populations to prevent goitre outbreaks. Thus, he created a path dependency in British India for himself and other British researchers, as well as his junior and affiliated Indian researchers, which impeded effective public health initiatives to prevent goitre outbreaks in India.

Spatial distribution of iodine in the pedosphere of China and its influencing factors

The China Geochemical Baseline project (2008–2013) obtained a large amount of reliable baseline data on 76 elements, including iodine, from 3381 top (0–25 cm) and 3380 deep (>100 cm) alluvial soil or sediment samples. Iodine concentrations, ranging from 0.01 to 21.58 mg/kg in the top samples (TS) and 0.01 to 28.30 mg/kg in the deep samples (DS), were determined using colorimetry under strict quality control. The median values of iodine, which were considered geochemical baseline values in the TS and DS, were 1.10 and 0.99 mg/kg, respectively, and the mean values were 1.45 and 1.43 mg/kg, respectively. The majority of the iodine in the pedosphere is obtained from the atmosphere, which in turn is obtained from the oceans. The mobility of iodine in different media was determined by its geochemical behavior. Iodine distribution maps indicated that low iodine concentrations below Q25 (<0.65 and 0.56 mg/kg in TS and DS, respectively) are primarily distributed in Northwest China, Tibet, and Sichuan, which could be mainly attributed to significant atmospheric washout and/or distance from the sea and low iodine fixing capacity of inland deserts. High concentrations are scattered throughout the country and are influenced by various factors, including atmospheric precipitation, soil composition, and mineral distribution, exploitation, and utilization. After the advent of salt iodization in 1995, iodine deficiency disorders have been largely eliminated from China. Although the heavily diseased areas correspond to some low iodine concentration areas, the distribution of the overall iodine deficiency disease areas from before salt iodization, compared using geochemical maps, is not correlated to the distribution of iodine concentration in the soil. These new TS and DS data and iodine geochemical maps provide a deep insight into the factors controlling the distribution of iodine in the pedosphere of China and significantly improve the global database of iodine in soils.

Risk factors for disorders due to iodine deficiency (IDD) among pregnant women in Jepara, Indonesia

Pregnant women need an increase in iodine intake. In 2013, 24.3% of pregnant women in Indonesia had low iodine excretion values. Iodine is known to affect thyroid hormone regulation. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors of Iodine Deficiency Disease (IDD) in pregnant women. This study was conducted using an observational method with a case-control design. The subjects in this study were pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters in the Mlonggo and Pakis Aji Health Centers, Jepara Regency, Indonesia. The total sample was eighty-eight pregnant women. Primary data collection was done by taking urine for Urinary Iodine Excretion (UIE) and blood serum for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurements for anthropometric nutritional status and filling out questionnaires related to subject characteristics and Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) interviews related to food consumption. This study showed that 53.4% of pregnant women had high TSH levels and 68.2% of pregnant women had low UIE levels. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that education was the strongest risk factor of IDD based on TSH levels (p-value 0,020; OR adjusted 0,324; CI OR 0,125:0,835) and knowledge of IDD was the strongest risk factor of IDD based on UIE levels (p-value 0,008; OR adjusted 4,776; CI OR 1,510:15,105).

Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Factors Influencing the Median Urine Iodine Concentration of 8-10-year-old Children in Xinjiang, China 25 Years after Implementation of the Salt Iodization Policy.

The iodine status of children has improved and stabilized since China implemented salt iodization measures 25years ago, but routine monitoring of iodine cannot reflect regional factors that influence the iodine level in children. Therefore, we conducted a regional spatial-temporal analysis of children's median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) and searched for possible factors that might affect children's iodine levels by mining monitoring data. We analyzed data from Xinjiang collected as part of the "Iodine Deficiency Disease National Monitoring Program" from 2017 to 2020. The study population consisted of 76,268 children who participated in the study. We used global autocorrelation analysis to determine whether the MUIC of children was spatially clustered, local autocorrelation analysis to identify specific clustering areas, local cold and hot spot analysis to verify the reliability of the local autocorrelation results, and a spatial lag model to identify factors affecting the children's MUIC. The MUIC values were 217.70, 227.00, 230.67, and 230.67µg/L in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. Global autocorrelation analysis showed that the MUIC of all children in the study was significantly related to region (Z scores all > 1.96, P values all < 0.05) from 2017 to 2020. Partial auto-correlation analysis showed that counties with clusters of high values were mostly concentrated in the southwestern region of Xinjiang, whereas counties with clusters of low values were located in the northern part of Xinjiang. Partial cold spot and hot spot analysis showed the same trend, and there are more overlapping districts and counties in 4years. Three-dimensional trend analysis indicated that children from the western part of Xinjiang had high levels of urinary iodine. According to spatial lag model, urine iodine concentration level is positively correlated with thyroid volume, average salary, and urbanization rate classification. The MUIC of 8-10-year-old children in Xinjiang was spatially clustered and related to geographic region. Our results show that spatial analysis of survey data combined with geographic technology and public health data can accurately identify areas with abnormal iodine concentrations in children. Additionally, understanding the factors that influence iodine levels in the human population is conducive to improving monitoring methods.

Register-based information on thyroid diseases in Europe: lessons and results from the EUthyroid collaboration.

ObjectiveRegisters of diagnoses and treatments exist in different forms in the European countries and are potential sources to answer important research questions. Prevalence and incidence of thyroid diseases are highly dependent on iodine intake and, thus, iodine deficiency disease prevention programs. We aimed to collect European register data on thyroid outcomes to compare the rates between countries/regions with different iodine status and prevention programs.DesignRegister-based cross-sectional study.MethodsNational register data on thyroid diagnoses and treatments were requested from 23 European countries/regions. The provided data were critically assessed for suitability for comparison between countries/regions. Sex- and age-standardized rates were calculated.ResultsRegister data on ≥1 thyroid diagnoses or treatments were available from 22 countries/regions. After critical assessment, data on medication, surgery, and cancer were found suitable for comparison between 9, 10, and 13 countries/regions, respectively. Higher rates of antithyroid medication and thyroid surgery for benign disease and lower rates of thyroid hormone therapy were found for countries with iodine insufficiency before approx. 2001, and no relationship was observed with recent iodine intake or prevention programs.ConclusionsThe collation of register data on thyroid outcomes from European countries is impeded by a high degree of heterogeneity in the availability and quality of data between countries. Nevertheless, a relationship between historic iodine intake and rates of treatments for hyper- and hypothyroid disorders is indicated. This study illustrates both the challenges and the potential for the application of register data of thyroid outcomes across Europe.

Knowledge and awareness of rural adults regarding endemic goitre

Knowledge and awareness related to goitre is very much important at community level for its prevention. Goitre is an iodine deficiency disease, which is in endemic in northern part of Bangladesh. This is a community based cross-sectional study conducted in rural areas of Kaharol Upzilla of Dinajpur district from January to December 2018. Data were collected by face to face interview from one adult in each of the purposively selected 377 households and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The study result showed that mean age of the respondents was 36.85±12.36 years where most of the respondents (82.2%) were female and 42.7% were illiterate. All of the respondents (100.0%) of the present study knew that endemic goitre means visible swelling in front of the neck. The present study revealed that 24.9% knew that endemic goitre is caused by lack of iodine in diet and having adequate iodine in diet was a way to prevent endemic goitre and 69.2% knew which food contained iodine. Majority of the respondents (57.2%) new that iodized salt contains iodine. The present study revealed that 0.8% had good knowledge regarding endemic goitre, 50.1% had average knowledge regarding endemic goitre and 49.1% had poor knowledge regarding endemic goitre. Most of the respondents, (81.7%) considered iodine an important element for body and 69.5% took iodine rich food. Though, the respondents had positive awareness regarding use of iodized salt. Level of knowledge regarding endemic goitre was associated with age (p=0.001), educational status (p&lt;0.000), occupational status (p&lt;0.006). Community based awareness program among school children, clubs, housewife etc. may increase the knowledge on endemic goitre at community members.

Study on iodine nutrition and related influencing factors of children aged 8-10 in Wuhan

Objective To understand the status of iodine nutrition and its related influencing factors of school-age children in Wuhan, so as to provide the basis for adjusting the strategies of IDD prevention and control. Methods In 5 districts of Wuhan (Hongshan, Hanyang, Hannan, Jiangxia, Dongxihu), non-boarding students aged 8-10 years old were selected from each of the five sample areas in the east, west, south, north and middle. Samples of urine and the cooking salt from their home were randomly colleted among children. Height, weight measurement and a self-administered questionnaire were conducted at the same time. A total of 942 valid questionnaires were collected, including 484 boys and 458 girls. Results The median of iodine content of children’s household salt was 23.20 mg/kg, the median of urinary iodine of children in the city was 251.00 μg/L. Children’s random urine iodine concentration was related to gender, whether kelp was consumed the day before the survey, the frequency of consuming milk, and whether they received radiological examinations ( P <0.05). Male ( OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.04-1.82), consumption of kelp the day before the survey ( OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.13-2.47) and radiological examination ( OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.05-1.52) were risk factors for children with urinary iodine concentration higher than the upper limit of the appropriate value ( P <0.05). The awareness rate of children’s iodine deficiency disease prevention knowledge in Wuhan was 69.64%. Conclusion The iodine nutritional status of children aged 8-10 years in Wuhan was higher than the appropriate level recommended by international organizations. The random urine iodine concentration of children was affected by many factors and the awareness rate of children’s iodine deficiency disease knowledge in Wuhan was low. Therefore, health education for children and residents on iodine deficiency disorders should be strengthened, and they should be properly guided and intervened to ensure that iodine deficiency is prevented while iodine excess is avoided. 【摘要】 目的 了解武汉市学龄儿童碘营养状况及其相关因素, 为调整儿童碘缺乏病防治策略提供依据。 方法 2019 年 在武汉市5个区 (洪山、汉阳、汉南、江夏、东西湖) 按东、西、南、北、中各抽取1所小学的8〜10岁儿童, 采集儿童随机一次 尿样、家庭食用盐样进行检测, 同时进行身高、体重测量及自填式问卷调查。共收集有效问卷942份, 其中男生484名, 女 生458名。 结果 儿童家庭食用盐碘含量中位数为 23.20 mg/kg, 儿童尿碘中位数为 251.00 μg/L, 儿童随机一次尿碘与性 别、调查前1天是否食用海带、食用牛奶频次及是否接受过放射检查相关( P 值均<0.05)。性别为男生 ( OR =1.38,95% CI = 1.04〜1.82)、调查前1天食用海带 ( OR =1.67,95% CI =1.13〜2.47)及接受过放射检查 ( OR =1.26,95% CI =1.05〜1.52)与儿 童尿碘水平高于适宜值上限均呈正相关( P 值均<0.05)。全市儿童碘缺乏病防治知识知晓率为69.64%。 结论 武汉市8 〜10岁儿童碘营养状况高于国际组织推荐的适宜量水平, 儿童随机一次尿碘水平受多种因素影响, 且儿童碘缺乏病知识知 晓率偏低。应加强儿童及居民碘缺乏病健康教育, 确保在防止发生碘缺乏的同时也避免碘过量。

Substantiation of the expediency to use iodine-enriched soya flour in the production of bread for special dietary consumption

We have studied the possibility of using iodine-enriched soy flour in the process of making bread for people suffering from iodine deficiency, diabetes and celiac disease. The organoleptic, physical-and-chemical, and microbiological indicators have been investigated, as well as the content of toxic elements and iodine content in the developed soy flour. The rationally permissible formulation ratios have been proven experimentally. The quality indicators confirmed the possibility of using enriched soy flour in the process of making bread for special dietary consumption. The conducted complex of studies provides recommendations for technologists for production of bread with special dietary properties. That will make it possible to expand a range and to fill the market with products, which are in short supply now. A lack of the mentioned products is about 15 % of the total production of bakery products. We established that the iodine content is 50 μg per 100 g in the developed soy flour. The developed flour complies with the regulatory and technical documentation for food soy flour in terms of quality and safety. The rational dosage of the developed soy flour to green buckwheat flour is 10 % in new bread formulations. It will be rational to replace 15 % of buckwheat flour with 10 % of the developed soy flour and 5 % of carrot or beet powder in products with vegetable powders. The bread developed according to new formulations complies with DSTU 4588 for Bakery products for special dietary consumption in terms of organoleptic and physical-and-chemical parameters. The content of organically bound iodine is 48.9; 49.4; 50.0 mcg per 100 g 72 hours after baking in the bread made by the new formulations. Our study has made it possible to state that bread that is made according to the new formulations satisfies 1/3 % of the daily need for iodine

Correlation between Body Mass Index, Thyroid Function Test and Neck Ultrasound in Euthyroid and Thyroid Disorder patients: a Centre Based Retrospective Study

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is a major health issue among the Nepalese population. It is the prone region for iodine deficiency disease. Altered living status, sub-urbanization and behavioral factors among the people are believed to be thyroid sufferers. The effects of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on body weight have been clinically clearly demonstrated however there are only few literatures published showing the relationship between BMI and thyroid function among the two groups of population (euthyroid and thyroid dysfunction).&#x0D; Objective: This study aims to study the relationship of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and thyroid hormones with BMI and neck ultrasound findings in euthyroid and thyroid dysfunction subjects.&#x0D; Methods: This is a centre based retrospective study carried out in Diabetes, Thyroid and Endocrinology Care Centre (DTECC), Pokhara Nepal. The study used the archives of the laboratory and patient clinical information on the Centre during the years 2016 March to 2017 March. Detailed information regarding patientís age, medical history and previous history of smoking and alcohol consumption data, patients BMI (Body Mass Index) and neck ultrasound findings were obtained.&#x0D; Results: Of the total five hundred and six cases, four hundred and forty cases were females and sixty six cases were male. 59.4 percentages of the cases had increased body mass index and about 48 percentages of the total cases had abnormal thyroid function tests. Of the total, neck ultrasound revealed findings suggestive of Hashimoto Thyroiditis in two hundred and forty four cases.&#x0D; Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction is associated with some components of metabolic syndrome. The thyroid function disorders in conjunction with the strong influence of various environmental factors can increase body weight and lead to obesity. Increased in BMI has strong influence on thyroid hormone level.

Status of Thyroid Disorders in Central Nepal: A Tertiary Care Hospital Based Study

Background: Nepal is a Himalayan, landlocked country surrounded by India and China. It is endemic for iodine deficiency disease. Thyroiddysfunction is major health problem among the Nepalese people. Its prevalence increases with age. Screening of thyroid disease is advised inhigh risk population. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among subjects who attended Biochemistry Departmentof Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Material and Methods: This is a hospital based retrospective studyconducted in the Department of Biochemistry Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine. This study was designed toinvestigate status of thyroid dysfunction in central Nepal. A total of 5230 cases from all over Nepal were studied in a single year. Blood sampleswere collected, serum separated and thyroid hormones (fT3, fT4 and TSH) were assayed by Vitros ECIQ analyser Ortho Clinical DiagonosticsUSA. Result and discussion: Among 5230 subjects prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 29.0% with subclinical hypothyroidism17%,hypothyroidism 8%, hyperthyroidism 3%, subclinical hyperthyroidism1% and euthyroidism 71%.Higher prevalence was seen in the age group31-45. Conclusion: This study revealed that subclinical and overt hypothyroidism is preponderant followed by sub clinical hyperthyroidism.Females are more vulnerable to the thyroid dysfunction. Since it is a hospital based study, the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction may not beapplicable. So an extensive demographic survey should be done to provide accurate data of thyroid dysfunction in the general populationDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12218 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 119-122

Thyroid volume by ultrasound in asymptomatic gravid and non-gravid controls in a negroid population in Nigeria

Background: The thyroid gland is among the most commonly imaged glands using ultrasound due to the limitation of clinical examination. During pregnancy, thyroid volume responds physiological to the increased demands for iodine and energy. An enlargement of the thyroid gland during gestation is, therefore, not abnormal. However, this may be confused for goiter, which the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders have recommended to be investigated through ultrasound. Objective: To establish a local reference volume of the thyroid gland in asymptomatic pregnant women that could be used to define goiter in the context of iodine deficiency disease monitoring. People and Methods: A total of 430 volunteers made up of 399 pregnant women and 31 nonpregnant female control were recruited prospectively and purposively. After obstetrics scan with a 3.5 MHz curvilinear transducer, the subject's thyroid gland was subsequently scanned with a 7.5 MHz linear transducer. The cranio-caudal, antero-posterior, and transverse diameter of each lobe represented the length, height, and width, respectively. These were subsequently multiplied with a WHO-recommended correction factor (0.479) to derive the volume. A summation of the volumes of both lobes gave the total thyroid volume for each subject. Results: The mean thyroid volumes (±standard deviations) in pregnant women and nonpregnant controls were 8.26 ± 4.17 cm3 and 2.54 ± 0.46 cm3, respectively. The mean for the first to third trimesters were 5.17 ± 1.83 cm3, 7.81 ± 2.44 cm3, and 11.81 ± 4.53 cm3, respectively. A one-way analysis of variance showed significant differences in the mean thyroid volumes within the three trimesters (P = 0.000). Conclusion: The wide variation in thyroid volume between pregnant women and nonpregnant controls points to the possibility of deficient dietary iodine intake during gestation in our locality. Special attention on daily minimum iodine intake for gravid women as recommended in other countries is advised.

Response to comments on urine iodine excretion in patients with euthyroid nodular disease

Response to comments on urine iodine excretion in patients with euthyroid nodular disease

Iodine Deficiency Disorders Among Primary School Children in Eastern Nepal

To assess the iodine status among primary school children of Dhankuta and Dharan in eastern Nepal. A population based cross sectional study was conducted on schools of Dhankuta and Dharan from January-March 2008. 385 samples of both urine and salt were collected from school children aged 6-11 yrs. Urinary iodine excretion (UIE) was measured in casual urine samples by the ammonium-persulphate digestion microplate (APDM) method and salt iodine content by using a semi quantitative rapid test kit. The median UIEs of school children of Dhankuta and Dharan were 157.1 μg/L and 180.3 μg/L respectively. The percentage of iodine deficient (UIE <100 μg/L) children were 26.6% in Dhankuta and 15.6% in Dharan. The majority of children consumed packet salt. The percentages of salt samples with adequately iodized salt (≥ 15 ppm) were 81.3% in Dhankuta and 89.6% in Dharan. Eastern Nepal is continuously progressing towards the sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency disease as illustrated by a normal median UIE and the majority of households consuming adequately iodized packet salt. It is necessary to maintain the program continuously to ensure adequate iodine nutrition of the population.

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

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)

Health Benefits of Geologic Materials and Geologic Processes

The reemerging field of Medical Geology is concerned with the impacts of geologic materials and geologic processes on animal and human health. Most medical geology research has been focused on health problems caused by excess or deficiency of trace elements, exposure to ambient dust, and on other geologically related health problems or health problems for which geoscience tools, techniques, or databases could be applied. Little, if any, attention has been focused on the beneficial health effects of rocks, minerals, and geologic processes. These beneficial effects may have been recognized as long as two million years ago and include emotional, mental, and physical health benefits. Some of the earliest known medicines were derived from rocks and minerals. For thousands of years various clays have been used as an antidote for poisons. "Terra sigillata," still in use today, may have been the first patented medicine. Many trace elements, rocks, and minerals are used today in a wide variety of pharmaceuticals and health care products. There is also a segment of society that believes in the curative and preventative properties of crystals (talismans and amulets). Metals and trace elements are being used in some of today's most sophisticated medical applications. Other recent examples of beneficial effects of geologic materials and processes include epidemiological studies in Japan that have identified a wide range of health problems (such as muscle and joint pain, hemorrhoids, burns, gout, etc.) that may be treated by one or more of nine chemically distinct types of hot springs, and a study in China indicating that residential coal combustion may be mobilizing sufficient iodine to prevent iodine deficiency disease.

Determination of iodine concentration in urine by isotope dilution analysis and thyroid volume of school children in the west coast of Turkey after mandatory salt iodization

This study was designed to evaluate iodine deficiency status in children 6-12 years in the west coast (Aegean Region) of Turkey after 5 years of mandatory iodine prophylaxis. A total of 2300 children from 72 populations (rural and urban area) were evaluated with urinary iodine excretion and thyroid volume. Cross-sectional, observational study designed and performed according to surveillance methods for iodine deficiency disease (IDD) prevalence recommended by WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD. The study population consisted of 2300 school children age ranging from 6 to 12 years. The children were selected by multiple stage randomization from 91 primary schools of 76 zones (91 clusters). Information about the use of iodized salt was obtained from the families. Data on the following were collected: birth date, sex, weight, height, thyroid size by palpation and ultrasonography; and urinary iodine by isotope dilution analysis method. Thyroid volumes above 97th percentile according to the WHO/ICCIDD by age and body surface area (BSA) were accepted as goitre. Iodized salt consumption was 51.7%. The prevalence of goitre determined by palpation was 12.1% and by ultrasound based on BSA and age were 9.8% and 5.5%, respectively. Median urinary iodine was 53 (2-142) microg/l. Mild to severe degree of iodine deficiency was detected in the west coast of Turkey.

Pediatric neurologist helps iodine deficient Chinese province

![Figure][1] Dr. DeLong In 1980, when G. Robert DeLong, M.D., was working as a pediatric neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, he barely was aware of iodine deficiency disease (IDD), the most common preventable cause of mental retardation worldwide. Today, after 22 years of work,