Iodized salt prophylaxis of endemic goiter : an experience in Toscana (Italy)

It is well established that iodine supplementation is effective in correcting iodine deficiency and reducing goiter prevalence. In Italy, legislation has allowed the production of iodized salt since 19 72, but its consumption is on a voluntary basis. In the present study, the efficacy of legislative measures that made compulsory the availability of iodized salt in foodstores has been evaluated. Urinary iodine excretion and thyroid size, scored according to Pan American Health Organization recommendations, were determined prior to (1981) and 10 years after (1991) the introduction of legislative measures in the whole schoolchildren population residing in a restricted area of the Tuscan Appennines