Iodine supply in children from different European areas: The Euro-Growth study

Background: In many areas of Europe iodine deficiency disorders still exist . Urinary iodine excretion is a valuable tool in characterizing the iodine supply of a population. However, there is a continuing discussion on the mo st appropriate parameter to measure urinary iodine excretion. Methods: In 247 children (ages 3-5 years) from six European centers, spot u rine samples were analyzed for urinary iodine concentration and urinary iod ine-creatinine ratio. Results: The median values of urinary iodine concentration from the six cen ters were very similar (90-106 mu g/l) corresponding to a normal or margina l iodine supply according to the criteria of the World Health Organization. However, the median values of the urinary iodine-creatinine ratio From the six centers differed significantly (143-445 mu g/g, P < 0.001). The differ ent results of the two urinary parameters to assess urinary iodine supply w ere due to large significant differences in the urinary creatinine concentr ation reported by the various centers, which probably reflect marked differ ences in water intake. Conclusions: iodine deficiency is still a significant health problem in man y European countries. In comparable and homogeneous population subgroups (e ven from different countries), the urinary iodine-creatinine ratio appears to be a much better parameter for assessing iodine supply than urinary iodi ne concentration. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.