scholarly journals Efficacy of a Salt Iodization Program on Iodine Status and Intakes in Schoolchildren of São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Catarina Senra Moniz ◽  
Rita Carvalho ◽  
Susana Prazeres ◽  
Edward Limbert ◽  
Inês Mendes ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Iodine is an essential micronutrient and its deficiency can severely impact children’s development. In 2012, the Thyroid Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism discovered that the median urinary iodine concentration (mUIC) level in schoolchildren of São Miguel was far too low at 70.9 μg/L. In response, the government implemented a salt iodization program to help normalize levels. This investigation evaluated the efficacy of such an approach. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was evaluated in 362 schoolchildren from São Miguel using the fast colorimetric method. <b><i>Results:</i></b> mUIC was 106.7 μg/L, significantly higher than that observed in 2012 (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Over half (55.5%) of the schoolchildren had a UIC &#x3e;100 μg/L versus 23.0% in 2012 (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). 9.4% of schoolchildren had a UIC &#x3c;50 μg/L, significantly lower than the 30.6% reported in 2012 (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Five years after the implementation of the government salt iodization program, the mUIC increased from 70.9 to 106.7 μg/L. This study confirms the efficacy of the adopted measures in schoolchildren population.

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fan-Fen Wang ◽  
Kam-Tsun Tang ◽  
Wen-Harn Pan ◽  
Justin Ging-Shing Won ◽  
Yao-Te Hsieh ◽  
...  

Background: In 2003, Taiwan’s iodine policy changed from mandatory to voluntary. The Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) 2001-2002 for schoolchildren showed adequate iodine nutrition, while NAHSIT 2005-2008 for adults showed the iodine status was at borderline adequacy. Objective: To investigate the iodine status of the Taiwanese population from schoolchildren to adulthood 10 years after the change of the salt iodization policy. Method: Urinary iodine was measured in samples from subjects in NAHSIT 2013. Results: The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of the Taiwanese population aged 6 years and above in 2013 was 96 μg/L, indicating mild iodine deficiency. The median UIC of 6- to 12-year-old schoolchildren was 124 μg/L (interquartile range [IQR]: 92-213 μg/L), and 115 μg/L (IQR: 80-166 μg/L), 125 μg/L (IQR: 74-161 μg/L), 73 μg/L (IQR: 52-131 μg/L), and 78 μg/L (IQR: 52-132 μg/L) in populations aged 13 to 18 years, 19 to 44 years, 45 to 64 years, and ≥65 years, respectively. Declining iodine nutrition in age groups ≥45 years old was noted that the median UIC of populations aged 45 to 64 years and ≥65 years was 99 and 88 μg/L, respectively, in NAHSIT 2005-2008. The median UIC of schoolchildren was not lower than that during the mandatory salt fortification period, but the distribution of urinary iodine levels signified a dietary pattern change. Conclusion: Wide-ranging variation in iodine nutrition levels was observed in different age groups. Universal salt iodization, as suggested by the World Health Organization, should be the best strategy to achieve adequate iodine nutrition.


2021 ◽  
pp. 10-17
Author(s):  
Stephen N. Onteri ◽  
Anselimo O. Makokha ◽  
Beatrice Nyanchama Kiage Mokua ◽  
Philip Ndemwa

Aims: Iodine plays a key role in thyroid hormone production and functioning. Inadequate iodine intake results in iodine deficiency (ID) which impairs the normal functioning of the thyroid. The deficiency is responsible for damage to brain development, growth retardation, cretinism, and thyroid dysfunction. Millions of people have been condemned to a life of few prospects and continued underdevelopment due to ID. The study was conducted to assess iodine status among primary school children in the Mt. Elgon region and the impact of salt iodization on this status. Study Design:  A school-based cross-sectional descriptive study to assess iodine status among primary school children was employed in the study. Study Area and Duration: The study was carried out in Kenya, Bungoma County, Mount Elgon Sub-County. The study period was between 27th November 2018 and 26th November 2019. Methodology: Healthy primary school children aged 6 to 12 years who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Spot urine samples were collected in schools, while water samples were collected from different water sources. Salt was collected from households (HH) and at distribution outlets. The Sandell Kolthoff reaction was used to analyse urine and water samples while salt was analysed using iodometric titration. Results: The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 200.7 µg/l. Out of which 0.55% were severely deficient, 5.25% moderately deficient, 18.23% with a mild deficiency, 25.69% had adequate iodine levels, 22.38% had more than adequate, and 27.90% had excess iodine levels. Household and salt samples from different distribution outlets that conformed to set standards of iodization were 49.4% and 63.64%, respectively. Iodine was not detected in all the water samples collected. Conclusion: The study population was found to have adequate iodine based on the median UIC of 200.7 µg/l. However, there was a coexistence of both deficiency and excessive UIC and salt iodization within the population. No iodine was detected in the water samples in the region.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
M. Dineva ◽  
M. P. Rayman ◽  
S. C. Bath

Abstract Milk is the main source of iodine in the UK; however, the consumption and popularity of plant-based milk-alternative drinks are increasing. Consumers may be at risk of iodine deficiency as, unless fortified, milk alternatives have a low iodine concentration. We therefore aimed to compare the iodine intake and status of milk-alternative consumers with that of cows’ milk consumers. We used data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey from years 7 to 9 (2014–2017; before a few manufacturers fortified their milk-alternative drinks with iodine). Data from 4-d food diaries were used to identify consumers of milk-alternative drinks and cows’ milk, along with the estimation of their iodine intake (µg/d) (available for n 3976 adults and children ≥1·5 years). Iodine status was based on urinary iodine concentration (UIC, µg/l) from spot-urine samples (available for n 2845 adults and children ≥4 years). Milk-alternative drinks were consumed by 4·6 % (n 185; n 88 consumed these drinks exclusively). Iodine intake was significantly lower in exclusive consumers of milk alternatives than cows’ milk consumers (94 v. 129 µg/d; P < 0·001). Exclusive consumers of milk alternatives also had a lower median UIC than cows’ milk consumers (79 v. 132 µg/l; P < 0·001) and were classified as iodine deficient by the WHO criterion (median UIC < 100 µg/l), whereas cows’ milk consumers were iodine sufficient. These data show that consumers of unfortified milk-alternative drinks are at risk of iodine deficiency. As a greater number of people consume milk-alternative drinks, it is important that these products are fortified appropriately to provide a similar iodine content to that of cows’ milk.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Conte ◽  
Comina ◽  
Monti ◽  
Sidoti ◽  
Vannozzi ◽  
...  

Italy is considered a mildly iodine-deficient country. The aim of this study was to evaluate the iodine status of a cohort of adults living in Liguria after the 2005 salt iodization program. We searched all medical records of patients examined in two endocrine outpatient clinics in Genoa and Savona for data on urinary iodine. Subjects were under evaluation for thyroid diseases. Information on the type of salt used was found in few clinical records. Iodized salt use was reported in 29%, 20%, and 13% of records of people living in Genoa districts, the Savona district and nearby districts, respectively. The average urinary iodine concentration was 112.9 ± 62.3 µg/L (n = 415, median 101.0 µg/L). Non-significant differences (P > 0.05) were found between subjects with (median 103.5 µg/L) and without (median 97.5 µg/L) a thyroid gland, between the periods 2009–2013 (median 105.0 µg/L) and 2014–2018 (median 97.5 µg/L), and between Genoa (median 94.0 µg/L), Savona (median 105.0 µg/L) and the other districts (median 114.5 µg/L). No correlation with age, body mass index, creatinine, free thyroxine, thyroglobulin, levo-thyroxine dosage, or thyroid volume was observed. These data suggest a borderline status of iodine sufficiency in this cohort.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Censi ◽  
Jacopo Manso ◽  
Susi Barollo ◽  
Alberto Mondin ◽  
Loris Bertazza ◽  
...  

Background: Fifteen years after a nationwide voluntary iodine prophylaxis program was introduced, the aims of the present study were: (a) to obtain an up-to-date assessment of dietary iodine intake in the Veneto region, Italy; and (b) to assess dietary and socioeconomic factors that might influence iodine status. Methods: Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was obtained in 747 school students (median age 13 years; range: 11–16 years). Results: The median UIC was 111 μg/L, with 56% of samples ≥ 100 μg/L, but 26% were < 50 μg/L, more frequently females. Iodized salt was used by 82% of the students. The median UIC was higher among users of iodized salt than among non-users, 117.0 ug/L versus 90 ug/L (p = 0.01). The median UIC was higher in regular consumers of cow’s milk than in occasional consumers, 132.0 μg/L versus 96.0 μg/L (p < 0.01). A regular intake of milk and/or the use of iodized salt sufficed to reach an adequate median UIC, although satisfying only with the combined use. A trend towards higher UIC values emerged in regular consumers of cheese and yogurt. Conclusion: Iodine status has improved (median UIC 111.0 μg/L), but it is still not adequate as 26% had a UIC < 50 μg/L in the resident population of the Veneto region. A more widespread use of iodized salt but also milk and milk product consumption may have been one of the key factors in achieving this partial improvement.


Mediscope ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-35
Author(s):  
GM Molla

Iodine is a micronutrient, which is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones play a major role in the development of different functional components in different stages of life. The relationship between iodine intake level of a population and occurrences of thyroid disorders U-shaped with an increase from both low and high iodine intake. Iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) are a major health problem worldwide in all age groups, but infants, school children, and pregnant and lactating women are vulnerable. During pregnancy and lactation, the fetus and infants are sensitive to maternal iodine intake. Even mild iodine deficiency may lead to irreversible brain damage during this period. A main cause of IDDs of neonates and infants is maternal iodine deficiency. Universal salt iodization strategy has been initiated by the World Health Organization and United Nation International Children Emergency Fund by the year 1993 for correction and prevention of iodine deficiency. Excessive iodine causes hypothyroidism, iodine-induced hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Iodine deficiency and excessive iodine, both cause goiter. There are many indicators for assessing the IDDs, such as measurement of thyroid size by palpation or ultrasonography, serum thyroid stimulating hormone, and thyroglobulin but these are less sensitive, costly and sometimes interpretation is difficult. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) is a well-accepted, cost-efficient, and easily obtainable indicator of iodine status. Since the majority of iodine absorbed by the body is excreted in the urine, it is considered a sensitive marker of current iodine intake and can reflect recent changes in iodine status. Iodine requirements are greatly increased during pregnancy and lactation, owing to metabolic changes. During intrauterine life, maternal iodine is the only source of iodine for a fetus. UIC determines the iodine status of pregnant and lactating women. Breast milk is the only source of iodine for exclusively breastfed neonates and infants. Breast milk iodine concentration can be determined by UIC. UIC predicts the adverse health consequences of excessive iodine intake such as goiter, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism. This review presents that iodine status in different groups of a population can be determined by UIC which will be helpful in assessing the iodine status in a community, finding out the cause of thyroid disorders, to predict the risk of adverse health effects of iodine deficiency and excessive iodine, and in making plan for iodine supplementation.Mediscope Vol. 5, No. 2: Jul 2018, Page 30-35


Author(s):  
Patrick Wainwright ◽  
Paul Cook

Iodine deficiency is a significant global health concern, and the single greatest cause of preventable cognitive impairment. It is also a growing public health concern in the UK particularly among pregnant women. Biomarkers such as urinary iodine concentration have clear utility in epidemiological studies to investigate population-level iodine status, but determination of iodine status in individuals is much more problematic with current assays. This article reviews the available biomarkers of iodine status and their relative utility at the level of both populations and individuals for the investigation of iodine deficiency and iodine excess.


2017 ◽  
Vol 147 (4) ◽  
pp. 528-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Dold ◽  
Michael B Zimmermann ◽  
Abdelmounaim Aboussad ◽  
Mohamed Cherkaoui ◽  
Qingzhen Jia ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-30
Author(s):  
Gregory A. Gerasimov ◽  
Nicholas Hutchings ◽  
Hrayr Aslanyan ◽  
Irina Tovmasyan

Armenia was one of the first post-Soviet countries, that after a relatively short break has restored the production of iodized salt at the beginning of the 2000s, and in 2004 adopted a decree that made the production and import of iodized salt mandatory, as well as its use in the food industry. A 2016 national survey showed high sustainability of the iodine prophylaxis program in Armenia – median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in schoolchildren and pregnant women (PW) was in the optimal range (242 and 226 μg/l, respectively), and coverage of households with quality iodized salt was 95%. In addition to iodized salt used in households, more than 50% of iodine was consumed with processed foods, primarily bakery products. An essential advantage of the iodine prophylaxis program in Armenia is that it provides adequate iodine status not only for the general population, but also for PW. At the same time about 37% of PW used iodine supplements, which were not necessary. The experience of Armenia shows that the analysis of screening datasets for neonatal hypothyroidism screening makes it possible to efficiently and at minimal cost annually evaluate the iodine status of the population. And if the frequency of TSH levels > 5 mIU/L exceeds 3%, the health authorities should consider this as an alarm and conduct a more detailed assessment to find out the cause of the iodine status insufficiency and take appropriate measures


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document