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 .
Persistence of goiter despite oral iodine supplementation in goitrous children with iron deficiency anemia in Côte d'Ivoire.
BACKGROUND In developing countries , many children are at high risk of goiter and iron deficiency anemia . Because iron deficiency can have adverse effects on thyroid metabolism , iron deficiency may influence the response to supplemental iodine in areas of endemic goiter . OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether goitrous children with iron deficiency anemia would respond to oral iodine supplementation . DESIGN A trial of oral iodine supplementation was carried out in an area of endemic goiter in western Côte d'Ivoire in goitrous children ( n = 109 ) aged 6 - 12 y. Group 1 ( n = 53 ) consisted of goitrous children who were not anemic . Group 2 ( n = 56 ) consisted of goitrous children who had iron deficiency anemia . At baseline , thyroid gl and volume and urinary iodine , thyrotropin , and thyroxine were measured by using ultrasound . Each child received 200 mg I orally and was observed for 30 wk , during which urinary iodine , thyrotropin , thyroxine , hemoglobin , and thyroid gl and volume were measured . RESULTS The prevalence of goiter at 30 wk was 12 % in group 1 and 64 % in group 2 . The mean percentage change from baseline in thyroid volume 30 wk after administration of oral iodine was -45.1 % in group 1 and -21.8 % in group 2 ( P < 0.001 ) . Among the anemic children , there was a strong correlation between the percentage decrease in thyroid volume and hemoglobin concentration ( r(2 ) = 0.65 ) . CONCLUSION The therapeutic response to oral iodine was impaired in goitrous children with iron deficiency anemia , suggesting that the presence of iron deficiency anemia in children limits the effectiveness of iodine intervention programs
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 .