Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2267

Background: Iodine, a micronutrient, plays a vital role in thyroid hormone production. Despite worldwide efforts to combat iodine deficiency through salt iodization programs, a primordial prevention, recent findings indicate a resurgence of thyroid disorders caused by iodine deficiency, such as hypothyroidism and endemic goitre among children. This comprehensive review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the prevalence, contributing factors, diagnostic indicators, and the effects of iodine supplementation on thyroid health among children.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines. The analysis included studies that examined iodine deficiency, urinary iodine concentration (UIC), thyroid function markers (TSH, Free T4), and the efficacy of iodine supplementation in children. During last decade, data from five selected studies were synthesized using a random-effects model to estimate both the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and the impact of iodine supplementation on thyroid function. The I² statistic was used to quantify the degree of variability among experiments.

Results: The meta-analysis estimated that 7.8% (95% CI: 5.4% -10.2%) of children experience iodine deficiency-related thyroid disorders, highlighting a persistent issue despite ongoing iodization programs. The average urinary iodine concentration reported across studies was 126 µg/l (95% CI: 110-142 µg/l), with mild iodine deficiency identified in certain populations. Key risk factors included increased consumption of non-iodized salt, restrictive diets (such as veganism or allergy-based exclusions), and modifications in food processing that reduce iodine levels. The analysis further demonstrated that iodine supplementation significantly lowered TSH levels by 3.2 mIU/l (95% CI: 1.8 - 4.5 mIU/l, P < 0.01) and increased free T4 levels by 0.6 ng/dl (95% CI: 0.3-0.9 ng/dl, P < 0.05), confirming its effectiveness in reversing thyroid dysfunction. The heterogeneity analysis indicated moderate variation among studies (I² = 45%), underscoring the need for further extensive research.

Conclusion: Findings suggest a concerning resurgence of iodine deficiency-related thyroid disorders in children, particularly in populations with dietary restrictions or decreased intake of iodized salt. Iodine supplementation has proven beneficial in restoring thyroid function, yet public health measures must be strengthened to ensure sufficient iodine consumption through continuous food fortification, dietary assessment, and educational initiatives. Future large-scale epidemiological studies and controlled trials are required to refine iodine supplementation approaches and prevent a further rise in IDD cases.

Keywords: Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD), Endemic Goitre in Children, Thyroid Function and Nutrition, Iodine Supplementation.