Evaluation of urinary iodine and its related factors in elementary students of Alborz province

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are the most important epidemic disorders in the world. In the last two decades, the elimination of IDD has been considered as an integral part of many national nutrition strategies. The aim of current research was to determine the urinary iodine and its related factors in elementary students of Alborz province.

In a cross sectional study 240 students of both genders, aged from 8-10 years were selected from urban and rural area of Alborz province were selected by cluster sampling method. Participants' urine was collected, and urinary iodine was measured. Information on nutrients intake was collected by a 24-hour feed recall method. Questionnaires on general data and anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI) were performed by a nutritionist. Significance level (p value <0.05) was considered.

Of 240 participants, including 118 girls and 110 men, only 37% were in normal condition. 20% of students had iodine deficiency and 43% had excessive urinary iodine. The mean urinary iodine was not significantly different between the two groups. There was a weak but significant relationship between time of cooking and mean urinary iodine. Correlation between BMI and mean urinary iodine showed a weak negative correlation, which was statistically significant (p <0.02).

The prevalence of iodine-related disorders (high and iodine deficiency) has increased in recent years in Alborz province. Modification of iodine salt consumption pattern and BMI seems to be effective in reducing disorders.