Title:Iodine Status in Cyprus and Neighboring Countries: A Review Article
Volume: 21
Issue: 2
Author(s): Nese Akcan*Ismet Zaimagaoglu
Affiliation:
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
Keywords:
Iodine, iodine deficiency disorders, iodine status in Cyprus, iodine status in mediterranean countries, iodine status in Turkey, urinary iodine concentration.
Abstract: Despite the implementation of global iodine supplementation initiatives in the past decade,
the problem of iodine deficiency persists as a significant public health concern in numerous
countries. Although cretinism is now rare in developed countries, iodine deficiency can still lead
to less severe cognitive deficits, which can negatively impact academic achievement, intellectual
capacity, and work productivity. There is a scarcity of studies regarding the status of Cyprus, and
the global database does not have any information pertaining to the prevalence of iodine deficiency
in Cyprus. The geographical setting of the research is of importance as it pertains to the separation
of Cyprus into two distinct areas. One region is predominantly inhabited by Greek Cypriots,
where the practice of salt iodization is not mandatory. Conversely, the other region is primarily inhabited
by Turkish Cypriots, who may potentially experience higher amounts of iodine contact
due to their reliance on food imports from Turkey, where salt-iodisation is compulsory. The main
objective of this study is to provide an overview of recent research conducted on the prevalence of
iodine deficiency in Cyprus and neighboring Mediterranean nations. In this study, we assess the
current method and subsequently offer public health recommendations for future research endeavors.
