Persistence of iodine deficiency 25 years after initial correction efforts in the Khumbu region of Nepal

Abstract

Aims: To assess the current status of, and understanding about iodine deficiency disorders among Sherpa residents of the Khumbu region of Nepal, 25 years after the introduction of iodised oil injections.

Methods: Several groups of Khumbu Sherpas were studied and goitre rate, urinary iodine level and cretinism prevalence were measured as indicators of iodine deficiency. Subjects were also questioned in detail about their food consumption, with particular reference to salt use, and about their understanding of the causes and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders.

Results: The prevalences of goitre, deaf-mutism and cretinism were 21%, 1.3% and 0.5% respectively (compared to 92%, 4.7% and 5.9% in 1966). No cretins had been born since 1966. The median urine iodine concentration was 35 microg/L. Most people preferred uniodised Tibetan rock salt, although 44% regularly consumed iodised salt. All granulated salt tested from the local market contained adequate amounts of iodine. Only 11% of those surveyed knew that goitre was caused by iodine deficiency

Conclusions: Although prevalences of iodine deficiency disorders are much less than 30 years ago, iodine deficiency continues to be a major problem in Khumbu and demands a clear control strategy, combining ongoing iodine supplementation and education. Iodised salt is usually the best approach to control of iodine deficiency disorders for most regions of the world but the Khumbu experience shows that local cultural and commercial factors can severely limit its impact. To be successful, control programme for iodine deficiency disorders also needs assessment of the salt trade, monitoring, education and occasional targeted interventions with iodised oil or other supplements.