[Status of goiter prevention in East Germany from an interdisciplinary viewpoint]

The endemic goiter occurs still in many countries of Europe. Alimentary iodine deficiency could be proved as essential cause of the increased prevalence. Comprehensive epidemiological investigations refer to the medical importance of this appearance for the GDR. 200 million marks might have to be spent annually for diagnostics and therapy. Also in the production of animals sequelae of iodine deficiency play a great part. Nitrate containing and glucosinolate containing feeding stuffs (e. g. rape extraction groats) here under the conditions of the iodine deficiency additionally develop goitrogenous effects (so-called indirect or relative iodine deficiency), which lead to decrease in vitality and clinical symptoms in the agricultural useful animals cattle, pig and sheep. The iodine content of animal products was frequently low. In view of the ecological connection of these problems an interdisciplinary iodine commission was founded which in accordance with the responsible state organs elaborates adequate recommendations for the prophylaxis and control of efficiency. From 1986 was begun with the iodisation of the largest part of packet salt (32 mg KJO3/kg) und the delivery of iodized mineral mixtures for the production of animals. Thus is to be reckoned with an improved direct supply of iodine for the population by iodized table salt or an indirect one over animal product. The iodisation of the entire common salt with modified iodine concentration is striven for. Measures for the control of efficiency are introduced.