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This review underlines major improvement of iodine nutrition in Europe. However, the
goal of sustainable elimination of IDD has not yet been reached, especially in
Eastern Europe. In 1999, Europe was the less efficient region in the world in terms
of access to iodized salt at household level in iodine deficient countries14. In
spite of the progress achieved since, further efforts have to be developed in order
to insure the recommended daily intake of iodine for age in all inhabitants of
Europe, i.e. 90 µg/day from 0 to 59 months, 120 g/day between 6 and 12 years,
150 µg/day in adolescents and adults and 200 µg/day in pregnant and lactating
women10. This has to be achieved principally through implementation of efficient
programs of salt iodization without undue concern to the possible side effects of
the increase of iodine intake47,48. The main impact of iodine deficiency is on pregnant and lactating women and young infants due to the role of maternal, fetal and neonatal hypothyroxinemia in the development of brain damage resulting in irreversible mental retardation55. In addition to programs of salt iodization in iodine deficient populations, iodine supplementation to these target groups have to be considered temporarily in iodine deficient populations until programs of salt iodization have insured normal iodine stores within the thyroid of females during the child bearing age and consequently of the pregnant and lactating women and of their fetuses and young infants. Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of potentially preventable mental retardation in childhood. Its elimination is within reach and would constitute an unprecedented public health success in the field of non communicable diseases. Additional efforts have to be developed in Europe in order to reach the goal of sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency. These include communication and education at all levels resulting in increased political will and coordination of the legislations on iodine supplementation, regular monitoring of iodine nutrition, increased protection of mother and child and concern about uncontrolled iodine supplementation by food fortification. |
