Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

THE IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS IN THE LIFE CYCLE

Iodine deficiency in the fetus. Pathogenesis of mental retardation

Iodine deficiency in the neonate

Iodine deficiency in the child

Iodine deficiency in the adult

SPECIFIC IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS

Endemic goiter

Pathophysiology. Adaptation to iodine deficiency. Goiter seen as maladaptation

Endemic cretinism

ASSESSMENT OF THE IODINE STATUS OF A POPULATION

Urinary iodine

Prevalence of goiter

Measurement of the serum concentrations of TSH, thyroid hormones and thyroglobulin

TECHNOLOGY OF IODINE SUPPLEMENTATION

Iodised salt

Iodised oil

Other methods

CONTROL OF IDD

Current status of IDD control programs

Monitoring and impact of the programs of salt iodization

Side effects of iodine supplementation

REFERENCES