The Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders - Nutrition policy discussion paper No. 3 (UNSSCN, 1988, 130 p.): 3. PREVALENCE OF IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS (IDD): 3.6 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS

The Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders - Nutrition policy discussion paper No. 3 (UNSSCN, 1988, 130 p.)

3. PREVALENCE OF IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS (IDD)

		(introduction...)
		3.1 EUROPEAN REGION
		3.2 AMERICAN REGION
		3.3 AFRICAN REGION
		3.4 SOUTHEAST ASIAN REGION
		3.5 WESTERN PACIFIC REGION
		3.6 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS

3.6 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate a massive global problem. Where IDD have disappeared in Western countries, this has been brought about by an increased dietary intake of iodine either through specific supplementation with iodized salt or by dietary diversification as one of the outcomes of economic development. The problem can be expected to persist in the absence of either of these factors. Therefore the effects of iodine deficiency in the form of IDD on growth and development (Section 2) will continue to be evident. National and international action is indicated. Priority should be given to those areas and regions where the persistence of severe IDD can be anticipated as already pointed out in Section 1.