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Safe Range of Iodine Intake Levels: A Comparative Study of Thyroid Diseases in Three Women Population Cohorts with Slightly Different Iodine Intake Levels

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Abstract

Iodine excess may lead to thyroid diseases. Our previous 5-year prospective survey showed that the prevalence and incidence of hypothyroidism or autoimmune thyroiditis increased with iodine intake. The aim of the present study was to investigate the optimal range of iodine intake by comparing the prevalence of thyroid diseases in three areas with slightly different levels of iodine intake. In 2005, 778 unselected women subjects from three areas with different iodine intake levels were enrolled. Levels of serum thyroid hormones, thyroid autoantibodies, and urinary iodine were measured, and thyroid B ultrasounds were performed. Among the subjects with mildly deficient iodine intake, those with adequate intake, and those with more than adequate intake, the prevalence of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism was 0, 1.13, and 2.84%, respectively (P = 0.014); that of thyroid goiter was 24.88, 5.65, and 11.37%, respectively (P < 0.001); that of serum thyrotropin values was1.01, 1.25, and 1.39 mIU/l, respectively; and that of serum thyrotropin/thyroglobulin ratio was 7.98, 6.84, and 5.11, respectively (P < 0.001). In conclusion, median urinary iodine 100~200 μg/l may reflect the safe range of iodine intake levels. Serum thyrotropin/thyroglobulin ratio might be a better index of evaluating iodine status.

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Acknowledgment

We are indebted to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention in Liaoning Province for the administration assistance and co-operation. The study was supported by the National Natural Science Fund of China (NNSFC, 30370680) and Social Development Fund of Liaoning Province in China (2003225005).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing Bei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People’s Republic of China

    Xiaochun Teng, Xiaoguang Shi, Zhongyan Shan, Ying Jin, Haixia Guan, Yushu Li, Fan Yang, Weibo Wang, Yajie Tong & Weiping Teng

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  1. Xiaochun Teng
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  2. Xiaoguang Shi
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  3. Zhongyan Shan
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  4. Ying Jin
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  6. Yushu Li
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  7. Fan Yang
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  8. Weibo Wang
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  10. Weiping Teng
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Correspondence to Weiping Teng.

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Teng, X., Shi, X., Shan, Z. et al. Safe Range of Iodine Intake Levels: A Comparative Study of Thyroid Diseases in Three Women Population Cohorts with Slightly Different Iodine Intake Levels. Biol Trace Elem Res 121, 23–30 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-007-8036-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-007-8036-0

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