REVIEW ERS ' CONCLUSIONS Despite most of the included studies being of low quality , the results suggest that iodine supplementation , especially iodised oil , is an effective means of decreasing goitre rates and improving iodine status in children .
Indications of positive effects on physical and mental development and mortality were seen , although results were not always significant .
Adverse effects were generally minor and transient .
BACKGROUND Iodine deficiency is the main cause of potentially preventable mental retardation in childhood , as well as causing goitre and hypothyroidism in people of all ages .
It is still prevalent in large parts of the world .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of iodine supplementation overall , and of different forms and dosages of iodine supplementation separately , in the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders in children .
PRELIMINARY REPORT OF AN EXPERIMENT IN THE KANGRA VALLEY FOR THE PREVENTION OF HIMALAYAN ENDEMIC GOITRE WITH IODIZED SALT.
This report incorporates the results of an investigation design ed to test the effectiveness of potassium iodide and potassium io date in the control of Himalayan endemic goitre when these compounds are added in small physiological doses to the domestic salt habitually consumed by the people in the endemic belt . In a prospect i ve study lasting five years , a striking reduction in the prevalence of goitre was observed in areas receiving salt fortified with either potassium iodide or potassium io date . During the same period , goitre prevalence remained unchanged in the control zone , which received plain , unfortified salt . The study has an important bearing on the problem of goitre control in developing countries that use moist , coarsely crystalline salt
REVIEW ERS ' CONCLUSIONS Despite most of the included studies being of low quality , the results suggest that iodine supplementation , especially iodised oil , is an effective means of decreasing goitre rates and improving iodine status in children .
Indications of positive effects on physical and mental development and mortality were seen , although results were not always significant .
Adverse effects were generally minor and transient .
BACKGROUND Iodine deficiency is the main cause of potentially preventable mental retardation in childhood , as well as causing goitre and hypothyroidism in people of all ages .
It is still prevalent in large parts of the world .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of iodine supplementation overall , and of different forms and dosages of iodine supplementation separately , in the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders in children .