Iodine deficiency in Salzburg in spite of iodized table salt prophylaxis
Galvan, G.; Balcke, C.; Gibitz, H.J.; Hauch, D.; Rücker, W.; Maier, F.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 94(22): 609-612
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5325 PMID: 6897692 Document Number: 188779
Urinary iodine excretion estimated in 293 medical technical and nursing students in hospitals of the province of Salzburg was on average 46.6 +or- 18 mu g/g creatinine. Of the students 67.6% showed a deficiency of iodine II and 98.3% had deficiency of iodine I according to WHO criteria. Urinary I and Na were closely correlated, indicating that iodized table salt is probably the most important source of I. Of the students 73 had a palpable goitre, 10 being nodular. The investigations, together with those in Innsbruck, Graz and Vienna, demonstrate the existence of generalized I deficiency in spite of iodized salt prophylaxis, which has been legally enforced throughout Austria since 1963. Iodized table salt prophylaxis has, thus, led to a drastic decrease in goitres in children, but is not sufficient to eliminate I deficiency in adults. Increased iodization of table salt, as in Switzerland, should be introduced in Austria.