Dynamic monitoring of iodine sufficiency in Belarus: results and problems

Abstract

The strategy for elimination of iodine deficiency in the population was developed and implemented in the Republic of Belarus. It is based on acceptance of recommendations that iodized salt is a unique source of iodine support. Currently, adequate iodine consumption is achieved. The prevalence of thyroid gland diseases caused by iodine deficiency was significantly decreased. In 2013, the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD), a global non-profit non-governmental organization established to eliminate iodine deficiency and its negative consequences, published the results of iodine status assessment in the world. According to these data, the Republic of Belarus provides adequate iodine intake. In 2016, Iodine Global Network published maps characterizing iodine supply for the two main categories — school-age children and pregnant females. These data have confirmed that the Republic of Belarus refers to countries with sufficient iodine consumption according to the results of subnational studies. Despite the achieved successes, new issues are raised: quality of iodine sufficiency monitoring, risks of excessive salt intake, and need for new approaches to diagnosing thyroid pathology due to iodine deficiency.