Skip to main content

Severe Iodine Deficiency

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Book cover Iodine Deficiency Disorders and Their Elimination

Abstract

Severe iodine deficiency is defined as a goiter prevalence greater than 30 % and/or a median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of less than 20 μg/L in a given population or defined geographical area. The adaptive processes of the thyroid gland may be unable to compensate for this degree of iodine deficiency, leading to manifestations which include endemic goiter, hypothyroidism, obstetric complications, intellectual impairment, and cretinism. However, the manifestations of severe iodine deficiency have decreased globally primarily due to widespread coverage with adequately iodized salt.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Abbreviations

IDA:

Iron deficiency anemia

IDD:

Iodine deficiency disorders

IGN:

Iodine Global Network

PAHO:

Pan American Health Organization

SF:

Serum ferritin

T3:

Triiodothyronine

TGR:

Total goiter rate

T4:

Thyroxine

TSH:

Thyroid stimulation hormone

UIC:

Urinary iodine concentration

WHO:

World Health Organization

References

  1. Stanbury JB, Brownell GL, Riggs DS, Perinetti H, Itoiz J, del Castill IB. Endemic goiter: the adaptation of man to iodine deficiency. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; 1954.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  2. Boyages SC. Iodine deficiency disorders. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1993;77:587–91.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Beckers C, Delange F. Etiology of endemic goiter. Iodine deficiency. In: Stanbury JB, Herzel BS, editors. Endemic goiter and endemic cretinism. New York: Wiley; 1980. p. 199–217.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Dumont JE, Ermans AM, Maenhaut G, Coppée F, Stanbury JB. Large goiter as a maladaptation to iodine deficiency. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1995;43:1–10.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Chopra IJ, Hershman JM, Hornabrook RW. Serum thyroid hormone and thyrotrophin levels in subjects from endemic goiter regions of New Guinea. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1975;40:326–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Dumont JE, Ermans AM, Bastenie PA. Thyroid function in a goiter endemic. 5. Mechanism of thyroid failure in the Uele endemic cretins. J Clin Edocrinol Metab. 1963;23:847–60.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. WHO, UNICEF, ICCIDD. Assessment of iodine deficiency disorders and monitoring their elimination: a guide for programme managers. 3rd ed. Geneva: WHO; 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Kelly FC, Snedden WW. Prevalence and geographical distribution of endemic goiter. In: Clements FW, editor. Endemic goiter, vol. 44. Geneva: World Health Organization; 1960. p. 227–33.

    Google Scholar 

  9. WHO, UNICEF, ICCIDD. Indicators for assessing iodine deficiency disorders and their control through salt iodization, WHO/NUT/94.6. Geneva: Worlds Health Organization; 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Pretell EA, Moncloa F, Salinas R, et al. Prophylaxis and treatment of endemic goiter in Peru with iodized oil. J Clin Endocr Metab. 1969;29:1586–95.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Pretell EA. Epidemiología de bocio nodular. In: Novelli JL, Ward LS, editors. Bocio Nodular Benigno. Argentina: Universidad Nacional de Rosario; 2014. p. 37–46.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Dunn J, Pretell EA, Henan C, Viteri F, editors. Endemic goiter, cretinism, and iodine deficiency: towards the eradication of endemic goiter, cretinism and iodine deficiency. Washington, DC: Pan American Health Organization; 1986. p. 373.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Stanbury JB, Hetzel BS, editors. Endemic goiter and cretinism: iodine nutrition in health and disease. New York: Wiley; 1980.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Hetzel BS, Dunn JT, Stanbury JB. The prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 1987.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Hollowell JG, Hannon WH. Teratogen update: iodine deficiency. A community teratogen. Teratology. 1997;55:389–405.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Beckers C, Delange F. Etiology of endemic goiter. Iodine deficiency. In: Stanbury JB, Herzel BS, editors. Endemic goiter and endemic cretinism. New York: Wiley; 1980. p. 199–218.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Ermans AM. Etiophatogenesis of endemic goiter. In: Stanbury JB, Hetzel BS, editors. Endemic ogiter and cretinism. New York: Wiley; 1980. p. 287–301.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Ascoli W, Arroyave G. Epidemiologia del bocio endémico en Centro América. Relación entre prevalencia y excreción urinaria de yodo. Arch Latinoam Nutr. 1970;20:309–20.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Langer P. The present status of endemic goiter as a problem of the public health. Eastern and Southern Europe. In: Stanbury JB, Hetzel BS, editors. Endemic goiter and cretinism. New York: Wiley; 1980. p. 141–53.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Delange F, Ermans AM. Role of a dietary goitrogen in the etiology of endemic goiter in Idjwi Island. Am J Clin Nutr. 1971;24:1354–60.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Bourdoux P, Delange F, Gérard M, Mafuta M, Hanson A, Ermans AM. Evidence the cassava ingestion increases thiocyanate formation: a possible etiologic factor in endemic goiter. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1978;46:613–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Gaitan E. Goitrogens in food and water. Ann Rev Nutr. 1990;10:21–39.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Delange F, Hershman JM, Ermans AM. Relationship between the serum thyrotropin level, the prevalence of goiter and the pattern of iodine metabolism in Idjwi Island. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1971;2:261–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Kochupillai N, Karmakar MG, Weightman D, Hall R, Deo MG, Mckendrick M, et al. Pituitary-thyroid axis in Himalayan endemic goiter. Lancet. 1973;301:1021–4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Patel YC, Pharoah PO, Hornabrook RW, Hetzel BS. Serum triiodothyronine, thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone in endemic goiter: a comparison of goitrous and nongoitrous subjects in New Guinea. J Clin Endocr Metab. 1973;37:783–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Vagenakis AG, Koutras DA, Beekger A, Malamos B, Ingbar SH, Braverman LE. Studies of serum triodothayronine, thyroxine and thyrotropin concentrations in endemic goiter in Greece. J Clin Endocr Metab. 1973;37:485–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Pretell EA, Moncloa F, Salinas R, Guerra-García R, Kawano A, Gutiérrez L, et al. Endemic goiter in rural Peru: effect of iodized oil on prevalence and size of goiter and on thyroid iodine metabolism in known endemic goitrous populations. In: Stanbury JB, editor. Endemic goiter, PAHO Scientific Publication No. 193. Washington, DC: PAHO; 1969. p. 419–37.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Laurberg P, Bülow Pedersen I, Knudsen N, Oversen L, Andersen S. Environmental intake affects the type of nonmalignant thyroid disease. Thyroid. 2001;11:457–69.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Zimmermann MB. Iodine deficiency. Endocrinol Rev. 2009;30:376–408.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Studer H, Perer HJ, Gerber H. Natural heterogeneity of thyroid cells: the basis for understanding thyroid function and nodular goiter growth. Endocrinol Rev. 1989;10:125–35.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Stanbury JB, Earmans AE, Bordoux P, Todd C, Oken E, Tonglet R, et al. Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism: occurrence and epidemiology. Thyroid. 1998;8:83–113.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Baltisberger BL, Minder CE, Bürgi H. Decrease of incidence of toxic nodular goiter in a region of Switzerland after full correction of mild iodine deficiency. Eur J. 1989;132:546–9.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Pretell EA, Palacios P, Tello L, et al. Iodine deficiency and the maternal-fetal relationship. In: Dunn JT, Medeiros-Neto GA, editors. Endemic goiter and cretinism: continuing threats to world health, PAHO Scientific Publication No. 292. Washington, DC: PAHO; 1974. p. 143–55.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Pharoah POD, Buttfield IH, Hetzel BS. Neurological damage to the fetus resulting from severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy. Lancet. 1971;1:308–10.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Thilly CH, Delange F, Lagasse R, et al. Fetal hypothyroidism and maternal thyroid status in severe endemic goiter. J Clin Endocr Metab. 1978;47:354–60.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Pretell EA, Caceres A. Impairment of mental development by iodine deficiency and correction. A retrospective view of studies in Peru. In: Stanbury JB, editor. The damaged brain of iodine deficiency. New York: Cognizant Communication Corporation; 1994. p. 187–93.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Kochupillai N, Pandav CS, Godbolr MM, Mehta M, Ahuja MMS. Iodine deficiency and neonatal hypothyroidism. Bull WHO. 1986;64:547–51. McMichael AJ, Potter JD, Hetzel BS. Iodine deficiency, thyroid function and reproductive failure. In: Stanbury JB, Hetzel BS, editors. Endemic goiter and endemic cretinism. New York: Wiley; 1980. p. 445–60.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Clugston G. Iodine deficiency disorders in South East Asia in the prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders. In: Hetzel BS, Dunn JT, Stanbury JB, editors. The prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science; 1987. p. 273–308.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Pharoah POD. Endemic cretinism in New Guinea. Papua New Guinea Med J. 1971;14:115–9.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Potter B, McMichael A, Hetzel B. Iodization and thyroid status in relation 10 stillbirths and congenital anomalies. Int J Epidemiol. 1979;8:137–43.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Thilly CH, Lagasse R, Roger G, Bourdoux P, Ermans AM. Impaired fetal and postnatal development and high perinatal death-rate in asevere iodine deficient area. In: Stockigt R, Nagataki S, Meldrurn E, Barlow JW, Harding PE, editors. Thyroid research VIII. Canberra: Australian Academy of Science; 1980. p. 20–3.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Chaouki ML, Benmiloud M. Prevention of iodine deficiency disorders by oral administration oflipiodol during pregnancy. Eur J Endocrinol. 1994;130:547–51.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. DeLong GR, Leslie PW, Wang SH, Jiang XM, Zhang ML, Rakeman M, Jiang JY, Ma T, Cao XY. Effect on infant mortality of iodination of irrigation water in a severely iodine-deficient area of China. Lancet. 1997;350:771–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. McMichael AJ, Potter JD, Hetzel BS. Iodine deficiency, thyroid function and reproductive failure. In: Stanbury JB, Hetzel BS, editors. Endemic goiter and endemic cretinism. New York: Wiley; 1980. p. 445–60.

    Google Scholar 

  45. McCarrison R. Observations on endemic cretinism in the Chitral and Gilgit valleys. Lancet. 1908;2:1275–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. DeLong R. Observations on the neurology of endemic cretinism. In DeLong GR, Robbins J, Condliffe PG, editors. Iodine and the brain. New York: Plenum Press. p. 231–8.

    Google Scholar 

  47. DeLong R, Tai M, Xue-Yi C, Xin-Min J, Zhi-Hong D, Rakeman MA, Ming-Li Z, Heinz R. The neuromotor deficit in endemic cretinism. In: Stanbury JB, editor. The damaged brain of iodine deficiency. New York: Cognizant Communication Corporation; 1994. p. 9–13.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Halpern JP, Boyages SC, Maberly GF, Collins JK, Eastman CJ, Morris JG. The neurology of endemic cretinism. A study of two endemias. Brain. 1991;114:825–41.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Boyages SC, Halpern JP. Endemic cretinism: toward a unifying hypothesis. Thyroid. 1993;3:59–69.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Stanbury JB. The clinical pattern of cretinism as see in Highland Ecuador. In: Stanbury JB, Kroc RL, editors. Human development and the thyroid gland. Relation to endemic cretinism. New York: Plenums Press; 1972. p. 3–17.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Santiago-Fernandez P, Torres-Barahona R, Muela-Martínez JA, Rojo-Martínez G, García-Fuentes E, Garriga MJ, León AG, Soriguer F. Intelligence quotient and iodine intake: a cross-sectional study in children. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89:3851–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Azizi F, Kalani H, Kimiagar M, Ghazi A, Sarshar A, Nafarabadi M, Rahbar N, Noohi S, Mohajer M, Yassai M. Physical, neuromotor and intellectual impairment in non-cretinous schoolchildren with iodine deficiency. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1995;65:199–205.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Tiwari BD, Godbole MM, Chattopadhyay N, Mandal A, Mithal A. Learning disabilities and poor motivation to achieve due to prolonged iodine deficiency. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996;63:782–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Ma T, Wang D, Chen ZP. Mental retardation other than typical cretinism in IDD endemias in China. In: Stanbury JB, editor. The damaged brain of iodine deficiency. New York: Cognizant Communication Corporation; 1994. p. 265–72.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Bleichrodt N, Escobar del RF, Morreale de Escobar G, Garcia I, Rubio C. Iodine deficiency. Implications for mental and psychomotor development in children. In: DeLong R, Robbins J, Condliffe PG, editors. Iodine and the brain. New York: Plenum Press; 1989. p. 269–87.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  56. Bleichrodt N, Born MP. A meta-analysis of research on iodine and its relationship to cognitive development. In: Stanbury JB, editor. The damaged brain of iodine deficiency. New York: Cognizant Communication; 1994. p. 195–200.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Cobra C, Muhilal, Rusmil K, et al. Infant survival is improved by oral iodine supplementation. J Nutr. 1997;127:574–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Fierro-Benitez R, Casar R, Stanbury JB, et al. Long-term effects of correction of iodine deficiency on psychomotor and intellectual development. In: Dunn JT, Pretell EA, Daza CH, Viteri FE, editors. Towards eradication of endemic goiter, cretinism, and iodine deficiency, Scientific Publication 502. Washington, DC: PAHO – WHO; 1986. p. 182–99.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Cao XY, Jiang XM, Dou ZH, Rakeman MA, Zhang ML, O’Donnell K, Ma T, Amette K, DeLong N, DeLong GR. Timing of vulnerability of the brain to iodine deficiency in endemic cretinism. N Engl J Med. 1994;331:1739–44.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. DeLong GR, Xue-Yi C, Xin-Min J, et al. Iodine supplementation of a cross-section of iodine-deficient pregnant women: does the human fetal brain undergo metamorphosis? In: Stanbury JB, Delange F, Dunn JT, Pandav CS, editors. Iodine in pregnancy. Delhi: Oxford University Press; 1998. p. 55–78.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Qian M, Wang D, Watkins WE, Gebski V, Yan YQ, Li M, Chen ZP. The effects of iodine on intelligence in children: a meta-analysis of studies conducted in China. Asia Pacific J Clin Nutr. 2005;14:32–42.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Azizi F, Mirmiran P, Sheikholeslam R, Hedayati M, Rastmanesh R. The relation between serum ferritin and goiter, urinary iodine and thyroid hormone concentration. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2002;72:296–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Beard JL, Borel MJ, Derr J. Impaired thermoregulation and thyroid function in iron-deficiency anemia. Am J Clin Nutr. 1990;52:813–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Lukaski HC, Hall CB, Nielsen FH. Thermogenesis and thermoregulatory function of iron deficient women without anemia. Aviat Space Environ Med. 1990;61:913–20.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Zimmermann M, Adou P, Torresani T, Zeder C, Hurrell R. Persistence of goiter despite oral iodine supplementation in goitrous children with iron deficiency anemia in Côte d’ Ivoire. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71:88–93.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Zimmermann MB. Iron status influences the efficacy of iodine prophylaxis in goitrous children in Côte d’Ivoire. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2002;72:19–25.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Hess SY. Interaction between iodine and iron deficiencies. Thesis for Doctor in Sciences Degree, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Oba K, Kimura S. Effects of vitamin A deficiency on thyroid function and serum thyroxine levels in the rat. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 1980;26:327–34.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Ingenbleek Y. Vitamin A deficiency impairs the normal mannosylation, conformation and iodination of the thyroglobulin: a new etiological approach to endemic goiter. Experientia.Suppl. 1983;44:264–97.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Drill VA. Interrelations between thyroid function and vitamin metabolism. Physiol Rev. 1943;23:355–79.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Zimmermann MB, Wegmüller R, Zeder C, Chaouki N, Torresani T. The effects of vitamin A deficiency and vitamin A supplementation on thyroid function in goitrous children. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(11):5441–7.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Morley JE, Damassa DA, Gordon J, Pekary AE, Hershman JM. Thyroid function and vitamin A deficiency. Life Sci. 1978;22:1901–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Garcin H, Higueret P. Thyroid hormones in vitamin A-deficient rats: effect of retinoic acidsupplementation. Ann Nutr Metab. 1983;27:495–500.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Garcin H, Higueret P. Free and protein-bound tri-iodothyronine in the serum of vitamin Adeficient rats. J Endocrinol. 1980;84:135–40.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Muto Y, Smith JE, Milch PO, Goodman DS. Regulation of retinol-binding protein metabolism by vitamin A status in the rat. J Biol Chem. 1972;247:2542–50.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Morley JE, Damassa DA, Gordon J, Pekary AE, Hershman JM. Thyroid function and vitamin A deficiency. Life Sci. 1978;22:1901–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Ingenbleek Y, De Visscher M. Hormonal and nutritional status: critical conditions for endemic goiter epidemiology? Metab Clin Exp. 1979;28:9–19.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Wolde-Gebriel Z, West CE, Gebru H, Tadesse AS, Fisseha T, Gabre P, Aboye C, Ayana G, Hautvast JG. Interrelationship between vitamin A, iodine and iron status in schoolchildren in Shoa Region, central Ethiopia. Br J Nutr. 1993b;70:593–607.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Zimmermann MB, Wegmuller R, Zeder C, Chauoki N, Torresani T. The effect of vitamin A deficiency and vitamin A supplementation on thyroid function in goitrous children. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89:5441–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Consortia

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eduardo A. Pretell MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Pretell, E.A., Pandav, C., Regional Co-ordinator South Asia Iodine Global Network. (2017). Severe Iodine Deficiency. In: Pearce, E. (eds) Iodine Deficiency Disorders and Their Elimination. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49505-7_4

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics