Iodine deficiency disease in the GDR

In the last decade several epidemiologic surveys were carried out in the GDR. The findings of all studies indicate consistently that the goiter is existing in the whole country increasing from the north to the south. Inhabitants of all ages are involved. The main cause appears to be an iodine deficiency of grade II. In the south of the GDR more than 90% of the groups examined are subjected to it. The introduction of iodinated salt prophylaxis is going on. An Interdisciplinary Iodine Commission has been established to control and coordinate these measures.