scholarly journals Salt Iodization and Urinary Iodine Concentration Levels among Primary School Children in Mt. Elgon Sub-County, Kenya

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.

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.


Author(s):  
Saroj Thapa ◽  
Madhab Lamsal ◽  
Rajendra K. Chaudhari ◽  
Basanta Gelal ◽  
Saroj Kunwar ◽  
...  

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Iodine deficiency as well as iodine excess can result in an increased prevalence of thyroid disorders. The prevalence of excess iodine nutrition is increasing all over the world. The aim of the present study was to find the occurrence of iodine nutrition status in primary school children of Eastern Nepal and find the prevalence of associated thyroid dysfunction among those with excess urinary iodine concentration.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A community based cross sectional study was conducted in Udayapur district which is located in Eastern part of Nepal. Primary school aged children (6 years to 12 years) were enrolled in this study from three schools. Blood and urine samples were collected and assayed for urinary iodine concentration (UIC), free thyroid hormones (fT<sub>3</sub> and fT<sub>4</sub>), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The median UIC was 232.27 µg/L. The iodine status showed that 15.5% (n=31) had low UIC, 21% (n=42) had above requirement and 36% (n=72) had excessive iodine nutrition status. The mean concentration of fT<sub>3</sub> and fT<sub>4</sub> was 2.87 pg/ml and 1.21 ng/dl respectively, while the median TSH concentration was 3.03 mIU/L. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 10% (n=20) with subclinical hypothyroidism being the most common. Majority of participants with subclinical hypothyroidism had excess UIC.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Above requirement and excess iodine nutrition is more common in region where there is unregulated consumption and improper monitoring of iodized salt. Subclinical hypothyroidism is common in regions of excess iodine nutrition.</p>


2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (12A) ◽  
pp. 1584-1595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael B Zimmermann

AbstractObjectives:Monitoring of iodine status during pregnancy, lactation and infancy is difficult as there are no established reference criteria for urinary iodine concentration (UI) for these groups; so it is uncertain whether iodized salt programs meet the needs of these life stages.Design and Subjects:The method used in this paper was: 1) to estimate the median UI concentration that reflects adequate iodine intake during these life stages; and 2) to use these estimates in a review of the literature to assess whether salt iodisation can control iodine deficiency in pregnant and lactating women, and their infants.Results:For pregnancy, recommended mean daily iodine intakes of 220-250 μg were estimated to correspond to a median UI concentration of about 150 μg l− 1, and larger surveys from the iodine sufficient countries have reported a median UI in pregnant women ≥ 140 μg l− 1. Iodine supplementation in pregnant women who are mild-to-moderately iodine deficient is beneficial, but there is no clear affect on maternal or newborn thyroid hormone levels. In countries where the iodine intake is sufficient, most mothers have median breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC) greater than the concentration (100-120 μg l− 1) required to meet an infant's needs. The median UI concentration during infancy that indicates optimal iodine nutrition is estimated to be ≥ 100 μg l− 1. In iodine-sufficient countries, the median UI concentration in infants ranges from 90-170 μg l− 1, suggesting adequate iodine intake in infancy.Conclusions:These findings suggest pregnant and lactating women and their infants in countries with successful sustained iodised salt programs have adequate iodine status.


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 791-799
Author(s):  
Syeda Farha S ◽  
Asna Urooj

During pregnancy, the daily requirement of iodine increases making those most at-risk population for iodine deficiency disorders. The available confined data shows that pregnant women are iodine deficient even in iodine sufficient regions with this background the objectives of the current study were to assess the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and evaluate the relationship between the levels of hemoglobin, UIC, and thyroid status in first-trimester pregnant women. A cross-sectional hospital-based study with a total sample size of n=110 pregnant women at the13th week of gestation in the Mysuru district was selected. The UIC, anthropometric measurements, iodine intake, and selected biochemical parameters (TSH, FT3, FT4, and Hb) were assessed. The data was analysed using SPSS (v 16.0). Spearman’s rank correlation test was used to analyse correlations. The Mann- Whitney U test was used to compare differences between groups. ANOVA was used to study the comparison of pregnancy complications with UIC and hemoglobin. The median UIC (mUIC) was 194.2 µg/L and Hb was 10.5 g/dL. Even though the mUIC was normal, around 38.2% had insufficient UIC. Significant inverse relationship between UIC and TSH (r = -0.487, p<0.001), Hb and TSH (r = -0.355, p < 0.001), and between TSH and iodine intake (r=-0.476, p<0.001) were observed. It was interesting to observe that those with insufficient UIC were found to have mild anaemia and low FT4 levels and those with excess UIC had lower TSH levels. The pregnant women in the present study were found to have the normal median urinary iodine concentration and were mildly anaemic. Increased attention among pregnant women should be focused on iodine status along with iron status and thyroid functions. Larger comparative studies need to be performed to study the impact of altered iodine status on neonatal outcomes.


2003 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 347-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zimmermann ◽  
Bridson ◽  
Bozo ◽  
Grimci ◽  
Selimaj ◽  
...  

Albania does not yet have a national program for control of iodine deficiency and there are no recent data on the severity of the iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in the country. The aim of the present study was to assess current IDD status in southern Albania. In primary school children in urban and rural areas urinary iodine concentration (UI) and iodine concentration in salt at retail and household levels was measured. Goiter was graded by palpation and thyroid volume determined by ultrasound. Children aged 5–14 yr (n = 826) were sampled at 2 urban and 5 rural primary schools. In the 2 urban schools, the median UI was 45 mug/L, the goiter prevalence was 32%, and salt iodine levels were inadequate (< 15 mug/g) in 78% of household salt samples. In the rural schools, the median UI was 17 mug/L, the goiter prevalence was 95%, and no household salt samples were adequately iodized. Among children in the rural schools, 73% had grade 2 goiter and 20% had nodular changes detected by thyroid ultrasound. In southern Albania, school children in urban areas are moderately iodine deficient and those in rural villages are severely iodine deficient. These findings suggest that regional distribution of oral iodized oil capsules is indicated to control IDD in vulnerable groups until salt iodization is implemented.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fazli Subhan ◽  
Muhammad Jahangir ◽  
Saira Saira ◽  
Rehman Mehmood Khattak ◽  
Muhammad Shahab ◽  
...  

Pakistan is considered to be one of the most severely iodine deficient countries in the region. A decade earlier, 70% of the population was estimated to be at risk of iodine deficiency. However, the recent use of iodized salt has reduced the intensity of the problem. Earlier studies regarding iodine deficiency in Pakistan were restricted to the northern mountainous regions, but have now been extended to the sub-Himalaya areas and the plains of Punjab. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of goiter and iodine status among school children in district Kohat, Pakistan. The 30 cluster approach was adopted for the study. From each cluster, 40 samples were collected from school going children. The palpation method was used to measure goiter grade, whereas, for urinary iodine estimation, the wet digestion method was used. The prevalence of goiter in the district was found to be 35% (37.16% in boys and 33% in girls). The median urinary iodine concentration was found to be 56±31.19?g/L. Estimation of iodine content in salt illustrated that 56.8% people were consuming non-iodized salt and 43.5% were using iodized salt. The current study suggests a severe iodine deficiency in school children of district Kohat and regular iodine supplementation is required on an instant basis.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.4(2) 2014: 42-46


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassimi Sadou ◽  
Ibrahim G. Dandano ◽  
Mousbahou M. Alma ◽  
Hamani Daouda

Introduction: Since 1996, Niger has officially adopted the universal dietary salt iodization program (UDSI). Objective: It is a before‑after trial study conducted to determine the impact of UDSI program in Tiguey 16 years after. Subjects and methods: The study was centered on 371 volunteers whose thyroid gland was palpated and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) determined in 319 of them. Results: The total goitre rate (TGR) was 13.20% with 9.70% invisible but palpable goitre (G1) and 3.50% visible goitre (G2). In 1987, the TGR was 77.15%, with 25.25% G1 and 51.90 % G2. The median UIC was 166.00 μg/L, the 20th percentile 66.40 μg/L and the 80 percentile was 300 μg/L. 68.34 % of the volunteers had a UIC ≥ 100 μg/L, 2.51% <20 μg/L, 10.97% between 20 and 49 μg/L and 18.18% between 50 and 99 μg/L. In 1987, only 3.96% of the studied sample had a UIC ≥ 100 μg/L, 45 % had a UIC <20 μg/L, 35% between 20 and 49 μg/L and 16% from 50 to 99 μg/L. No significant relationship was found between UIC and age and gender or goitre prevalence and gender (P> 0.05). However, goitre prevalence increases significantly with age (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The implementation of the UDSI program in Niger decreased goitre prevalence and significantly improved the nutritional iodine status of the populations of Tiguey. However a slight endemic goitre and mild to moderate iodine deficiency persists.


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