Assessment of urine iodine in school children from urban and rural areas of Tehran in 2001

ABSTRACT

Following the national survey for Iodine Deficiency Disorder [IDD] in 1989 which manifested endemic goiter in Iran, the iodination program was implemented. By 1998, Iran has managed to become an IDD-free country. This study is a part of continuous assessment to monitor the effectiveness of this program. The prevalence of iodine deficiency was studied by assessment of urine iodine concentration among a random sample of schoolchildren, in the South Tehran. The extent of salt iodination in the public was assessed meanwhile. Most cases [52.19%] showed a urine iodine concentration between 10-30 micro g/dl. As well, 5.85% of pupils had mild iodine deficiency according to world standards, 1.45% of pupils showed moderate and none had severe IDD. Examination of consumed salt in public areas showed 98.8% iodination. Total mean iodine excretion was obviously above the state survey in 1996. The risk of exceeding the allowed limits [<30 micro g/dl] should be attentively studied