Journal of endocrinological investigation
-
J. Endocrinol. Invest. · Jun 2005
Attention to the hiding iodine deficiency in pregnant and lactating women after universal salt iodization: A multi-community study in China.
Monitoring of iodine nutrition depends chiefly on the urinary iodine concentration in representative samples from the population. International groups have recommended school-age children as a convenient group for surveys, because of their accessibility and young age, but the relevance of this group to others, especially pregnant women, is not well established. ⋯ An effective iodized salt program has brought iodine sufficiency to most of China, but pregnant women in some areas may still risk deficiency and need further supplements. We suggest other countries and international agencies pay more attention to pregnancy, where iodine deficiency has its worst consequences.