Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:00
Colorimetric Assessment of Deiodinase 1 Activity in Human Liver Microsomes Using the Sandell-Kolthoff Reaction
Published on: April 10, 2026
Iodine deficiency in Saudi Arabia
A R Al-Nuaim1, Y Al-Mazrou, M Kamel
1Department of Medicine, and College of Science, King Saud University, Ministry of Health, and Department of Medicine, Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Annals of Saudi Medicine
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Saudi schoolchildren show mild iodine deficiency, particularly in the Southern province, with higher goiter rates. This highlights the need for improved iodized salt programs across the nation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Iodine deficiency data in the Arabian Peninsula is limited.
- Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) pose significant public health challenges globally.
- Saudi Arabia lacks comprehensive data on iodine status among its schoolchildren.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the iodine status of Saudi schoolchildren aged 8-10 years.
- To determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of iodine deficiency and goiter.
- To identify regions requiring targeted iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) control programs.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional national epidemiological survey was conducted.
- Random sampling considered gender, provincial population, and area distribution.
- Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and goiter prevalence were assessed in 4638 schoolchildren.
Main Results:
- The national median urinary iodine concentration was 18 µg/dL, indicating mild iodine deficiency.
- Significant provincial variations in UIC were observed, with the Southern province showing the lowest median (11 µg/dL) and highest IDD risk (45% <10 µg/dL).
- Goiter prevalence was highest in the Asir region (Southern province) and lowest in Gizan, correlating significantly with lower UIC.
Conclusions:
- Saudi Arabia exhibits mild iodine deficiency, most pronounced in the Southern province.
- A significant relationship exists between goiter prevalence and urinary iodine concentration.
- There is an urgent need for a national control program to ensure universal access to iodized salt, especially in iodine-deficient regions.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Minerals
Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
01:23Redox Titration: Iodimetry and Iodometry
Iodometry and iodimetry are analytical methods used to determine the concentration of oxidizing or reducing agents using iodine. In iodometric titrations, the oxidizing analyte solution is usually acidified and treated with an excess of iodide ions, which generates an equivalent amount of iodine in equilibrium with triiodide. The released iodine is subsequently titrated directly against a standardized reducing agent. As the dilute iodine color becomes pale yellow, a few drops of freshly...
01:27Goiter
Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...
01:25Jaundice
Jaundice, or icterus, is the yellow discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes. It happens when plasma bilirubin levels rise above 2.5-3 mg/dL, leading to bilirubin deposition in tissue.Bilirubin is a byproduct of hemoglobin degradation. In macrophages, hemoglobin breaks down into globin and heme. Globin is converted into amino acids, while heme is turned into biliverdin by heme oxygenase, which is then reduced to unconjugated bilirubin by biliverdin reductase.Unconjugated...
01:30Vitamins
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...