The evaluation of urinary iodine among primary school children in Mahasarakham province

The aimed of this study is urinary Iodine (UI) level assessment among 114 school children age between 6-12 year old at primary school grade 1-6 in an area of  iodine deficiency risk in Mahasarakham Province. The colorimetric method (the ammonium persulphate technique) was used to assay for urine iodine.The result found that: most of subjects (69.3%) have UI level lower than 100 mg/L, which seemed to have inadequate iodine intake, whereas  distribution among male and female age 7-9 year old was found mild adequate iodine intake as 40.7% and 70% respectively. Nevertheless more interesting. The subjects, of age 10-12 year old had high UI level or risk of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism. It indicated that the students received higher level of iodine with their increasing ages, on the otherhand, lower level of intake with their reducing ages, where the statistical significant relationship between age and urine iodine level. (p<0.001) The understanding of this study should be encouragement of proper Iodine implementation project for all age group of iodine deficiency children and nutritional problem both receiving under and over Iodine intake. This study signified that mild iodine deficiency (low intake) is prevalent among younger students and presents to excess iodine intake in a higher age group, consequently, action to solve the problems are continuously and sustainably needed. Keyword :  urinary iodine, school children, iodine status