Iodine deficiency and goiter prevalence in Turkey after mandatory iodization

The determination of (a) iodine deficiency, and (b) the relation between the iodized salt consumption in the Isparta province of Turkey.

Five hundred students between 6-11 yr of age were evaluated. With a questionnaire, the subjects were asked whether they were using iodine-containing salt or not. After their body weight and height were measured, thyroid glands were examined with palpation, thyroid volumes were determined with ultrasonography (USG), and urinary iodine concentration was analyzed.

The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of children was 7.00 microg/dl. This value reveals that Isparta is a region with mild iodine deficiency. The total goiter prevalence was 30.4% with palpation and 26% with USG. The goiter prevalence by ultrasonography was 14.2% for the urban and 36.2% for the rural areas. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The rate of total iodized salt consumption was 68%, which was not a satisfactory level. The consumption of iodized salt in the urban areas was significantly higher than that in rural areas (74 vs 62%, p<0.05). The median UIC value was 10.00 microg/dl in urban areas compared to 5.00 microg/dl in rural areas.

Our results indicate that although Isparta is a region with mild iodine deficiency, goiter prevalence remains a serious problem.