[Towards the elimination of iodine deficiency in Hungary]

In an iodine-deficient population, the consequences affect all age groups. In mild to moderate deficiency, goiter and, later in life, nodularity and thyroid dysfunction may develop. Fetal iodine insufficiency interferes with the development of the central nervous system of the fetus, resulting in lower IQ in later life. In order to eliminate iodine deficiency in Hungary, goiter screening and measurement of median urine iodine concentration in schoolchildren were introduced in recent decades, as well as promotion of access to information on the importance of conscious consumption of iodized salt and the importance of iodine-containing prenatal multivitamin use in pregnancy was initiated. An important government measure was the 2014 regulation which made the use of iodized salt mandatory in public catering.

The aim of our work was to assess the iodine supply of the population in Hungary.

Our laboratory is one of the accredited European centers for the measurement of urinary iodine excretion. Here we report on our recent study performed in four settlements in Eastern Hungary. Between 2018 and 2023, urinary iodine concentrations of 583 school-age children were measured to determine the current iodine supply.

Results show that current iodine intake is adequate, with a median urinary iodine excretion of 202.4 µg/L (Q1: 133.5 µg/L, Q3: 317.3 µg/L).

In order to ensure the current iodine intake level, continued widespread use of iodized salt, regular monitoring of iodine supply, and appropriate and continuous information of the population are necessary. With the collaboration of endocrinologists, public health experts and the entire medical community, the efforts of the past 50 years has achieved the complete elimination of iodine deficiency in Hungary. However, the consequences of iodine deficiency suffered in childhood remain present in the currently middle-aged population for decades. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(26): 1027-1033.