[Iodine deficiency and its sequelae--with special reference to Lower Franken]

This paper discusses the recommendations of the German Federal Health Office (Bundesgesundheitsamt) for increased iodine intake for the purpose of preventive medicine in view of the incidence of severe iodine deficiency in the Federal Republic of Germany. Special consideration is given to the district of Unterfranken. A new law (Gesundheitsreformgesetz) which came into force in 1989 in fact enables the German health insurance companies to meet the costs of iodine tablets for pregnant and lactating women, but they are not so far doing so, although it has been recommended by medical science.