New method for reducing iodine deficiency

Nutrition Research Newsletter, May, 1993

Worldwide, an estimated 400 million people or more are at risk of iodine deficiency because their food is grown in iodine-depleted soil. The Wodd Heal[h Organization estimates that at least 200 million of these people have goiter and 20 million have some degree of brain damage caused by the effects of iodine deficiency during gestation. The established me[hods for correcting iodine deficiency --iodization of salt and use of iodinated oil-do not work well in some developing countries because of their relatively high cost and the need for complex distribution systems. A French research group now describes a new approach through treatment of drinking water.

The new technique relies on the controlled diffusion of iodine into water from a silicone elastomer. The elastomer system can be placed in a well, where it will slowly release iodine into the water over a period of a year. The system was tested in two villages in Mali, West Africa. The iodine treatment system was installed in one village's well, and a similar device without iodine was installed in the other village's well. During the year in which the devices remained in the wells, an increase in urinary iodine levels was observed in the treated population, and the incidence of goiter fell from 53.2 to 29.2%.

The authors conclude, "This new concept, adaptable to all sources of water supply, may contribute to the eradication of iodine deficiency." An accompanying editorial urges that the eradication of iodine deficiency should be an important international health priority. The editorial writer notes that the World Summit for Children Meeting at the United Nations in 1990 included the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders by the year 2000 in its plan of action. This plan, which was signed by 71 heads of state and 80 nominated representatives of other governments, "represents an unprecedented commitment by governments to the future health and well-being of children all over the world, and has already led to increased commitments at national levels."

Alain Fisch et al, A New Approach to Combatting Iodine Deficiency in Developing Countries: The Controlled Release of Iodine in Water by a Silicone Elastomer, American J Public Health 83(4):540-545 (Apr 1993) [Reprints: Alain Fisch, MD, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 40 Allee de la Source, F 94 195 Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France]

Basil S Hetzel, The Control of Iodine Deficiency [Editorial], American J Public Health 83(4):494-495 (Apr 1993)