Summary
This comprehensive narrative review by Zimmermann, published in Endocrine Reviews in 2009, synthesises evidence on iodine deficiency as a leading preventable cause of brain damage and developmental impairment worldwide. It details the physiological role of iodine in thyroid hormone synthesis, the spectrum of iodine deficiency disorders across the life course, and the public health strategies — principally universal salt iodisation — used to address deficiency at population level. The review also considers at-risk groups, dietary sources of iodine, and the challenge of balancing deficiency prevention against potential excess in certain populations.
UK applicability
The UK has historically had mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency in some population subgroups, particularly teenage girls and pregnant women, due in part to the absence of a mandatory salt iodisation programme; the global evidence synthesised in this review is directly pertinent to ongoing UK debates about iodine fortification policy and dietary guidance.
Key measures
Urinary iodine concentration (µg/L); goitre prevalence (%); thyroid hormone levels; neurodevelopmental outcomes; population coverage of iodised salt (%)
Outcomes reported
The review examines the prevalence, causes, and health consequences of iodine deficiency, including goitre, hypothyroidism, and impaired neurodevelopment, alongside the efficacy of iodine supplementation and salt iodisation programmes.
Topic tags
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