Medium to severe iodine deficiency still exists in Abkhazia

Background. Due to historical reasons, Abkhazia is one of the few regions of the former Soviet Union where status of iodine nutrition of the population is still unknown and activities for the prevention of iodine deficiency are not carried out.

Aim. To assess the status of iodine nutrtition of Abkhazian population (schoolchildren and pregnant women).

Materials and methods. In total, 222 subjects were surveyed in Abkhazia, including 151 schoolchildren (age 8–12 years) and 61 pregnant women (aged 19–39 years). The content of iodine has been studied in the urine, and the use of iodized salt has been assesses at the household level.

Results. The results of the survey revealed medium to severe iodine deficiency in Abkhazia. In schoolchildren median urinary iodine concentration was 29.1 mcg/l, and in pregnant women – 26.5 mcg/l. In some clusters the median urinary iodine concentration was below 20 mcg/l indicating the possibility of severe iodine deficiency.

Conclusion. Results of the study point to a critical situation with regard to status of iodine nutrition of the population in Abkhazia. To eliminate iodine deficiency, based on experience of other Transcaucasian states (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia), Abkhazia should take urgent measures to introduce partial or complete ban on the import, sale and use of common (non-iodized) salt.

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