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Pujol et al., Montpellier, France, analyzed iodine status and the prevalence
of goiter in the south of France in 1986 and in 1995, in an area located
near the sea (Herault) and in a mountain area (Lozère). The thyroid
was palpated and investigated by ultrasonography. In 1986, in total 315
children were investigated in the two areas. In Lozère mean iodine
urinary excretion was 50.3 µg/L and the goiter rate was 15.3%. These
values were for Herault 85 µg/L and 6.4% respectively. In 1995, mean
urinary iodine excretion in Lozère was 142 µg/L and goiter
incidence 2.5%, and for the Herault area 121 mg/L and 3.5% respectively.
Markou et al., Patras, Greece, performed a field study in the southwestern part of Greece with regard to the status of iodine intake in a total of 827 residents, aged between 15-80 year. Fifty-three percent of the population lived in villages, and the others in cities. Of the entire population 54% had urinary iodine excretion (UIE) > 10 µg/dl, and were thus iodine sufficient. However, 54% of villagers had UIE <10 µg/dl, 23% < 5 µg/dl, and 7% < 2 µg/dl, being thus iodine deficient. In the city dwellers only 35% had UIE < 10 µg/dl. The goiter prevalence by palpation was 18%, both in villagers and city dwellers. |
