This study assesses the iodine status of 8 to 10-year-old children in Shanghai over a 20-year period following the implementation of the universal salt iodization policy in 1996. The research analyzed monitoring data from 1997, 1999, 2005, 2011, 2014, and 2017, focusing on median urinary iodine (MUI) levels, goiter rates, and thyroid volume. The findings indicate a decline in median urinary iodine over time, but children’s iodine status remains adequate. Goiter rates and median thyroid volume were also tracked, showing a strong correlation between the two. Household salt iodine concentration decreased over time, but its effect on children's iodine status was minimal. The study suggests further research into other dietary sources of iodine and emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring of iodine levels for health.
Source: Canva