Goitre in Kenya. Quantitative studies of iodine metabolism. 1980

P E McGill, and E O Svensson

In 1970, before iodized salt was introduced as prophylaxis against goitre in Kenya, we performed quantitative studies of iodine metabolism in 81 African subjects living in the highland provinces. Iodine deficiency was detected in those with and without goitre, a result expected in view of the known prevalences of endemic goitre in these regions. Iodine deficiency was more severe and prevalent in those with goitre. Unexpectedly, we found those with goitre had a significant defect in the utilization of iodine by the thyroid gland. We argue that this defect is probably caused by an environmental factor. If adequate iodine prophylaxis is followed by a significant decline in the goitre rate, our finding is of theoretical interest only. It would assume practical importance if a significant goitre problem remained following improvement in iodine nutrition. We have decided to publish these findings now because of the disappointing results of iodine prophylaxis to date.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007455 Iodine A nonmetallic element of the halogen group that is represented by the atomic symbol I, atomic number 53, and atomic weight of 126.90. It is a nutritionally essential element, especially important in thyroid hormone synthesis. In solution, it has anti-infective properties and is used topically. Iodine-127,Iodine 127
D007630 Kenya A republic in eastern Africa, south of ETHIOPIA, west of SOMALIA with TANZANIA to its south, and coastline on the Indian Ocean. Its capital is Nairobi. Republic of Kenya
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D005260 Female Females
D006043 Goiter, Endemic A form of IODINE deficiency disorders characterized by an enlargement of the THYROID GLAND in a significantly large fraction of a POPULATION GROUP. Endemic goiter is common in mountainous and iodine-deficient areas of the world where the DIET contains insufficient amount of iodine. Endemic Goiter,Endemic Goiters,Goiters, Endemic
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000293 Adolescent A person 13 to 18 years of age. Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D013961 Thyroid Gland A highly vascularized endocrine gland consisting of two lobes joined by a thin band of tissue with one lobe on each side of the TRACHEA. It secretes THYROID HORMONES from the follicular cells and CALCITONIN from the parafollicular cells thereby regulating METABOLISM and CALCIUM level in blood, respectively. Thyroid,Gland, Thyroid,Glands, Thyroid,Thyroid Glands,Thyroids

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