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Iodine nutrition improves in Latin America
Eduardo A Pretell1, Francois Delange, Ulrike Hostalek
1International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders, Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú. epretell@terra.com.pe
Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|August 24, 2004
Summary
Iodine deficiency is nearly eliminated in Latin America due to salt iodization programs. However, monitoring is crucial as some areas show iodine excess, necessitating regular checks of iodine nutrition and thyroid function.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) remain a significant public health concern in many Latin American nations.
- Extensive salt iodization initiatives have substantially reduced IDD prevalence.
- Consistent monitoring of iodine status and salt iodization levels has been lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current iodine nutrition status and thyroid health of schoolchildren across 13 Latin American countries.
- To evaluate the iodine content of commercially available salt in local markets.
- To provide data for refining public health strategies regarding salt iodization.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study utilizing the ThyroMobil model to assess 8208 schoolchildren (6-12 years) across 163 sites in 13 countries.
- Measurement of urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in schoolchildren and iodine content in 2734 salt samples.
- Assessment of thyroid volume and goiter prevalence in the study population.
Main Results:
- Median UIC varied widely (72-540 microg/L), with one country below the recommended 100-200 microg/L range and seven exceeding 200 microg/L.
- A strong correlation was observed between urinary iodine concentration and the iodine content of salt.
- While most salt samples exceeded the minimum recommended iodine level (15 ppm), only five countries had median iodine content within the ideal range (20-40 ppm).
- Goiter prevalence varied significantly (3.1%-25.0%), despite normal median thyroid volumes.
Conclusions:
- Salt iodization programs have been highly successful in eliminating iodine deficiency in most of the studied Latin American countries.
- Iodine excess is a growing concern in some regions, prompting adjustments in salt iodization levels and quality control.
- Regular monitoring of iodine nutrition and thyroid function is recommended, particularly in areas with potential iodine excess.