EVALUATION OF IODIDE DEFICIENCY IN TOGO USING AN OPTIMIZED POTENTIOMETRIC METHOD FOR IODIDE ESTIMATION IN URINE

A pilot study was carried out in two Togolese localities (Gobe, Moreta n) situated in an endemic goiter area. The aim of this work was to col lect laboratory and nutritional data to assess and follow up campaigns against iodide deficiency. Ninety-seven urine samples were analysed. We studied the urinary excretion and the iodine concentration of impor tant diet substances (water and salt) using an optimized potentiometri c method. Mean values of urinary iodide/creatinine ratios (mug/g) obse rved in the two Togolese localities ties were respectively 34.1 +/- 6. 3 in Gobe and 39.2 +/- 6.4 in Moretan. These low values differ signifi cantly (P < 10(-9))from the physiological cal values determined in Ami ens, France (147.5 +/- 56.3). The drinking water of the two localities showed a low iodide concentration (2 mug/l). The iodide concentration of cooking salts was also low (<0.2 mg/kg) compared with iodized salt used in France (11.2 +/- 0.2 mg/kg) These results show an iodide defi ciency in both localities, probably due to the lack of iodide in the l ocal diet. Iodide determination is specific, easy and inexpensive. It can be proposed for use in campaigns against goiters of nutritional or igin.