title: Value and pitfalls in iodine fortification and supplementation in the 21st century.
abstract: Although the number of iodine-deficient countries has been reduced by almost 50 % over the last decade, it still remains a frequently misunderstood health problem. The most devastating effects of iodine deficiency occur during fetal development and childhood, periods in which sufficient iodine delivery remains critical. Besides the determination of thyroid size, the concentration of urinary iodine, serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and serum thyroglobulin are useful biomarkers to assess iodine status. Severe iodine deficiency is associated with neurological complications, cretinism, endemic goitre development, hypothyroidism, decreased fertility and increased infant mortality. The recommended iodine supplementation strategies are based on correction of iodine deficiency, close monitoring and evaluation of iodine administration, cooperation of the salt industry, training of local health care professionals and education of the population. Besides the multiple beneficial effects of supplementation, we present in this review a critical look at the possible side effects.
authors: Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Gent, Belgium. Marijn.Speeckaert@UGent.be
authors: Marijn M
authors: MM
authors: Speeckaert
authors: Reinhart
authors: R
authors: Speeckaert
authors: Katrien
authors: K
authors: Wierckx
authors: Joris R
authors: JR
authors: Delanghe
authors: Jean-Marc
authors: JM
authors: Kaufman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000517:prevention & control; D007455:Iodine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000172:deficiency*; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary; C034024:iodized salt; D007455:Iodine