Endemic goiter associated with high iodine intake

Objectives. This study assessed the relation of iodine content of household water to thyroid size and urinary iodine excretion in an area with high io dine concentration in the water. Methods. The iodine content of household water and indicators of iodine sta tus (thyroid size and urinary iodine level) were assessed in selected villa ges in Jiangsu Province, China. Results. Water iodine levels were positively correlated with urinary iodine levels and indicators of thyroid size at the township level, Conclusions. Excess iodine in household water was the likely cause of endem ic goiter and elevated urinary iodine levels in the study area. This findin g affects public health policy on the institution of universal salt iodizat ion fur the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.