Dynamic Changes in the Bivariable Distribution of Urinary Iodine Concentration and Thyroid Volume in Children Aged 8 to 10 Years in China

National iodine-deficiency disorder surveillance surveys were conducted in 1999, 2005, and 2011 in China. Probability-proportional-to-size sampling technique was used to select sampling units. The mean of thyroid volume (Tvol) in the 100 to 199 µg/L UIC (urinary iodine concentration) group was significantly lower than that in the 200 to 299 µg/L UIC group in 2011 ( P < .05). The status in the 100 to 199 µg/L versus ≥300 µg/L and 200 to 299 µg/L versus ≥300 µg/L groups in 1999, and 100 to 199 µg/L versus ≥300 µg/L group in 2011 were the same ( P < .05). The mean Tvol in the <100 µg/L UIC group was significantly higher than that in the 100 to 199 µg/L UIC group in 1999 ( P < .05). Both insufficient and excess iodine may be associated with an increase in Tvol, and adequate iodine intake should be defined as median UIC 100 to 299 µg/L.