Iodine deficiency in the Russian Federation

: Epidemiological surveys for iodine deficiency (ID) were made in 30 regions of Russia in 1992 to 1999. A total of 40,999 individuals aged 7 to 17 years were examined. The advent of new assessments of the thyroid and new indicators of iodine deficiency has changed approaches to epidemiological surveys. The WHO standards for estimating the prevalence and severity of ID have been introduced into Russian practice. In Central Russia, the lowest (median 30-58 micrograms/l) iodine concentrations were found in rural dwellers; in more urbanized areas (cities, towns) the median was 50-78 micrograms/l. ID was more pronounced in the regions of East Russia where it was predominantly moderate (median 30-52 micrograms/l). In some areas, ID was severe (median 16-20 micrograms/l). As the severity of ID increases, the incidence of such conditions, as goiter, hypothyroidism, endemic cretinism is on the rise. Mild to moderate goiter endemia prevailed in Central Russia. The manifestations of goiter endemia were more pronounced in rural children (18-30%) than in urban ones (8-14%). East Russia was marked by moderate to severe goiter endemia (8-14%): the incidence of goiter ranged from 17 to 40%. There were only sporadic cases of goiter in some areas of the Sakhalin Region. In the Moscow and Voronezh Regions and the Republic of Kalmykia there were areas showing a high goiter incidence which did not correspond to the level of ID. An epidemiological analysis has indicated that dietary and water iodine intake is decreased in most regions of Russia. The actual dietary iodine intake was 40-80 micrograms/day, i.e. 2-3 times of the recommended allowance (150 micrograms). The Endocrinology Research Center has tested different models of preventive and therapeutical measures for eliminating iodine deficiency-caused diseases by using iodinated foodstuffs (salt, bread, butter) ad iodine medicaments.