ABSTRACT
Objectives: Hypothyroidism in utero leading to mental retardation is highly prevalent and recurrent in developing countries where iodine deficiency and thiocyanate overload are combined. So; to explore and identify human population's risks for developing iodine deficiency disorders and their endemicity in Western Cameroon; with the aim to prevent this deficiency and to fight again it; urinary iodine and thiocyanate levels were determined. Methods: The district of Bamougoum in Western Cameroon was selected for closer study due to its geographic location predisposing for iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). A comprehensive sampling strategy included 24-h urine samples collected over three days from 120 school-aged children. Urinary iodine and thiocyanate levels were measured by colorimetric methods. Results: Twenty one percent of boys between the ages 3 and 19 were classified as iodine deficient. The prevalence of thiocyanate overload in the same population was found to be 20. Conclusion: Presence of endemic iodine deficiency and excessive thiocyanate in the population indicates that the region is at risk of iodine deficiency disorder. A multifactorial approach that includes improvement of diet; increasing iodine and minimizing goitrogen substances intake; soil and crop improvement and an iodine supplementation program may help alleviate IDD in the affected area studied