Urinary iodine excretion in Belarus children

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Pediatric Nutrition
• Endocrinology

Background:

• The Gomel region of Belarus experienced significant radioiodine fallout.
• Increased incidence of thyroid cancer has been noted in this region.
• Iodine deficiency is a global public health issue affecting cognitive development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess iodine excretion levels in Belarus children.
• To identify the prevalence of iodine deficiency in different regions.
• To evaluate potential links between iodine status and regional environmental factors.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of casual urine samples from 1680 children aged 8-16 years.
• Data collected across nine Belarus regions between 1990-1994.
• Focus on Gomel oblast, a high-risk area for radioiodine exposure.

Main Results:

• Most children exhibited median iodine excretion values indicating borderline/low intake or mild deficiency.
• Wide ranges in iodine excretion were observed across the cohort.
• 163 children (approximately 9.7%) excreted < 20 micrograms of iodine per liter of urine, indicating severe deficiency.

Conclusions:

• A substantial proportion of Belarus children studied displayed inadequate iodine intake.
• Severe iodine deficiency was identified in a notable subgroup, warranting public health interventions.
• Urgent attention is needed to address iodine deficiency in Belarus, particularly in areas with environmental concerns.