[Status of alimentary iodine supply in the Potsdam area]

In the period from November 1995 to April 1996 we have collected 120 samples of 24-h-urine from volunteers of the "Brandenburger Ernährungs- und Krebsstudie". 108 persons--without iodine supplementation--showed an average iodine excretion about 99 micrograms I/g creatinine, and the median value showed 94.2. Only 45.4% of the samples indicated a sufficient iodine supply. In 43.5% an iodine deficiency grade I was registered, and in 11.1% grade II. An iodine deficiency grade III did not occur. Due to the increased use of iodized salt in meat- and cereal products, to intensive public education etc. it seems, that the individual iodine intake is better than some years ago. But the iodine deficiency prophylaxis should be further more continued.