ISSN:
1432-1076
Keywords:
Key words Iodine deficiency
;
Goitre
;
Thyroid volume
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Turkey is an iodine deficiency area. The overall goitre prevalence is thought to be 30%, and most epidemiological studies give figures compatible with mild to moderate iodine deficiency. However, it is suspected that there are regions where iodine deficiency might be more severe than previously known. In this study the goitre prevalence and iodine status in a mountain village in Central Anatolia were investigated and the results compared to those of an urban area with mild iodine deficiency. Parameters of iodine status in the mountainous region showed severe iodine deficiency comparable to that in Central Africa. It seems that there are regions in Turkey where current programmes of salt iodization will be inadequate to correct the problem of iodine deficiency. Conclusions Our observations suggest that regional variations in iodine status may impede the success of salt iodization programmes, which alone may not be adequate for correction of the problem country-wide. Alternative sources of iodine should be considered in addition to expanded and more efficient salt iodization programmes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004310051130
Permalink
