Iodine deficiency diseases in children and adolescents (plenary lecture)

The main consequence of iodine deficiency in the environment is the development of goiter in people living in iodine-deficient regions (endemic goiter). In this regard, for a long time it was considered that goiter is the only manifestation of this condition. It has now been proven that, in addition to goiter, iodine deficiency also has other adverse effects on human health. In 1983, the term "endemic goiter" was replaced by the term  "iodine deficiency diseases" (IDD). These diseases are caused by a decrease in the functional activity of the thyroid gland in response to iodine deficiency.