Endocrine Abstracts

Background

Iodine is an essential nutrient necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Humans need a daily intake of 90–250 µg per day. The WHO criteria on the adequate iodine intake in the general population is: median iodine 100–199 µg/l, levels <100 µg/l in <50% of the population; <50 µg/l in <20% of the population and iodized salt consumption in >90% of households.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to establish the nutritional status of iodine in the adult population of the Basque Country, measured by the excretion of iodine in the urine.

Methods

Randomly selected participants from the study of the incidence of diabetes in the adult population (18–90 years old) in the Basque Country (2017–2018) were invited to take part in this observational study. Of the 847 selected participants, 409 provided a urine sample for the study. Ioduria was determined by chromatography. Clinical, sociodemographic and laboratory data were obtained, including thyroid hormones. All participants completed a lifestyle and eating habits survey.

Results

The mean age was 58 years old and 57.5% of the participants were women (235/409). The mean ioduria was 159 µg/l (SD 106) and the median 133 µg/l (P25-P75: 90–204 µg/l). Based on the WHO criteria, 40% of the population had an adequate iodine intake, 32% a deficit of iodine and 28% excessive levels. There were no significant differences in ioduria regardinggender, age or geographic location. Only 41% of the study population confirmed they take iodized salt.

Conclusion

According to our study, the population of the Basque Country has an adequate intake of iodine; however, the intake of iodized salt is well below the 90% recommended by the WHO. We therefore believe that public health campaigns are necessary to promote the consumption of iodized salt in our population, as well as periodic evaluations of the nutritional status of iodine.