Assessment of iodine intake in rural schoolchildren from La Pampa, Argentina: a comparative analysis between 2002 and 2023.

Introduction: Iodine is an essential micronutrient for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, crucial for neurological development. In 2002, a mild iodine deficiency was identified in schoolchildren from La Pampa, Argentina. This study aims to reassess iodine intake in the same rural school population in 2023 by analyzing urinary iodine concentration (UIC), goiter prevalence, and salt iodization.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 6- to 12-year-old schoolchildren from School No. 45 in Ataliva Roca, La Pampa. Parents provided informed consent. UIC, weight, height, blood pressure, and goiter were assessed. UIC was measured using the modified Sandell-Kolthoff method, and salt iodization was analyzed using sodium thiosulfate titration. The results were compared with those from 2002.

Results: A total of 74 schoolchildren were evaluated in 2023. The median UIC was 145.45 υg/L, with 28.8% of students showing levels below 50 υg/L. Goiter prevalence was 21.6%, compared to 17.9% in 2002. In 85.5% of the salt samples, iodine levels were adequate. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2002 and 2023 cohorts in the prevalence of goiter or iodine fortification of salt.

Discussion: Despite improvements in iodine intake since 2002, a considerable percentage of schoolchildren still show moderate iodine deficiency.