Iodine Deficiency, Still a Global Problem?

Abstract

Iodine Deficiency Disorders are a major public health problem worldwide affecting all groups of people of which children and lactating women are the most vulnerable categories. At a global scale, aproximately 2 billion people suffer of iodine deficiency (ID) of which aproximately 50 million present with clinical manifestations. Assesing iodine levels through different methods has proven to have a key role when discussing treatment options. Screening programs, and early ID diagnostic is important for pregnant women's follow-up, especially in known countries with iodine dificiency. Universal salt iodization programs have been proposed over the world, but unfortunately have covered about 71% of the world's population. The aim of this article is to adress the current standings of iodine status and influence on general population with a general focus on newborns and pregnant women and to review the worldwide perspective on available prevention methods.

Keywords: iodine deficiency; new-borns; pregnancy.