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Iodine deficiency in Europe and its consequences: an update
1International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Saint-Pierre, University of Brussels, 153, avenue de la Fauconnerie, 1170 Brussels, Belgium. fdelange@ulb.ac.be
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
|August 23, 2002
Summary
Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) persist in Europe, impacting 32 countries. While salt iodisation access improved, Europe lags globally, necessitating further implementation and targeted supplementation for vulnerable groups.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) remain a significant public health concern in Europe.
- In the late 1990s, 32 European countries exhibited mild to severe iodine deficiency.
- Both Eastern and Western European regions were affected.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders in Europe.
- To assess the progress in salt iodisation and its impact on iodine sufficiency.
- To highlight the ongoing health consequences of iodine deficiency.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of national survey data from 11 European countries conducted in the late 1990s.
- Review of household access to iodised salt in European countries affected by IDD.
- Comparison of European iodised salt access rates with global and regional data.
Main Results:
- Despite improvements, only the Netherlands achieved iodine sufficiency; 11 surveyed countries showed progress but not sufficiency.
- Household access to iodised salt in affected European countries increased from 5-10% (1990) to 28% (1999), but lags behind global (68%) and Latin American (90%) rates.
- Persisting iodine deficiency leads to goitre, increased thyroid risk during nuclear accidents, and impaired neurodevelopment in infants.
Conclusions:
- Salt iodisation efforts in Europe require significant expansion to meet global standards.
- Targeted iodine supplementation for pregnant women, lactating women, and infants is crucial in severely affected areas.
- Continued monitoring and intervention are necessary to combat iodine deficiency disorders across Europe.