iodine deficiency situation in Ukraine becomes threatening form! According to
Endocrinology Service of Ukraine, the pathology of the endocrine system is one
of the basic stascture of general morbidity in the country. However, about 50% of all
endocrine diseases associated with thyroid dysfunction. Total
number of patients with endocrine disorders from 1993 to 2007 has doubled (from
1,769,626 to 3,652,435 patients). With regard to thyroid disease,
directly associated with iodine deficiency, the following are just some of the data on
dynamics for the 2003-2007 year: the annual increase in average patients with thyrotoxicosis
is 4,5%, thyroiditis - 8,9%, thyroid cancer - 9.14%.
The total number of patients with endocrine disorders from 1993 to 2007 grew
doubled (from 1,769,626 to 3,652,435 patients). With regard to diseases of the thyroid
gland, is directly related to iodine deficiency, the following are just some
data on the dynamics of the 2003-2007 year: the annual increase in patients with thyrotoxicosis
average of 4,5%, thyroiditis - 8,9%, thyroid cancer - 9.14%.
For regions with severe iodine deficiency has traditionally included seven of the western regions:
Volyn, Transcarpathian, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Rivne,
Ternopil, Chernivtsi. However, in recent years this situation
spread to virtually all of Ukraine, including Kiev and the Kiev
area. It happened on a number of environmental and socio-economic
reasons. Among them:
1. The Chernobyl accident;
2. Atmospheric pollution industries;
3. Large-scale drainage, which led to leaching of iodine
compounds from soil;
4. Purification of water chlorination (chlorine, iodine is replaced);
5. The deterioration of living standards and, as a consequence, changes in diet - consumption
iodine by the Ukrainians is 60-80 mg., which is twice lower than the recommended
World Health Organization.
Why is the thyroid?
The thyroid gland produces hormones, which directly depend on the exchange
substances, the cardiovascular, nervous and other systems, the immune system.
Thyroid hormones are formed from amino acids (tyrosine), and iodine. At the same time
man, alas, get iodine from the outside only: with food, water and air, and it
scarcity leads to the thyroid gland stops producing
necessary for the health of hormones.
Unpleasant symptoms of diseases associated with iodine deficiency may manifest itself in
any age. Among others are: changes in body weight, lethargy, drowsiness,
anxiety disorders in the cardiovascular system, erectile dysfunction
(Erectile dysfunction). However, the consequences could be much lamentable.
Iodine deficiency is especially dangerous for pregnant women, women of childbearing age,
children and adolescents.
First, it leads to infertility, miscarriage, spontaneous
abortion and stillbirth.
Secondly, with associated cretinism and congenital malformations in the newborn. In
particularly in areas with severe iodine deficiency (iodine intake below 20 mg / day)
from 1 to 10% of the population have symptoms of cretinism, 5-30% - Light Motor
disorders and mental disorders. In 30-70% of the population of these regions
a decline of mental abilities. Since the main function of the brain
laid in the early stages of intrauterine life, and timing of its formation
limited to, lack of hormones in the mother can lead to irreversible
consequences. Also thyroid gland influences the development of bones, and her
diseases lead to the cessation of growth of the child.
In Ukraine, in 2007 the number of stillbirths, compared with 2006
has increased by 25%. About 20% of Ukrainian families have the problem of infertility.
In addition, projected as a result of iodine deficiency in 10 years may
see the light about 6 thousand children with congenital cretinism, 18 thousand mentally
Retarded, and about 320 thousand will experience learning difficulties.
How to eliminate iodine deficiency?
Daily intake of iodine by adults and adolescents is 150
micrograms for women during pregnancy and lactation - 200 mcg for children first
years of life (from one to four) - 50-90 mg, for preschoolers and young children
school age - 120 mg.
Prevent iodine deficiency is very easy, and certainly easier than getting rid of
its effects, or live with them. Here are a few possible ways:
- Use iodized salt. In taste, it is no different
from the usual. It is tase that one of its drawbacks is that the human body
required to perform extra work to iodine from the chemical compound
got into the blood;
- Regularly is seafood, with an overdose of iodine in such a way
impossible;
- Take iodine preparations. Desirable to consult a doctor, but some
dasgs can be taken alone as a prophylactic measure, rates.
It is important to remember that the diseases associated with thyroid gland, developed long
can proceed unnoticed by man, and show up only under special
survey. Meanwhile, many central district hospitals of different
regions of Ukraine (primarily the Mykolayiv, Kirovohrad, Kherson,
Kiev, Odessa), or no endocrinologists in general, or they have doctors
other specialties concurrently. The number of endocrinologists in the
above mentioned areas ranging from 0.19 to 0.30 per 10 thousand population.
Thus, the treatment results of iodine deficiency risks turn
colossal waste of money, nerves and effort, while its prevention -
simple and accessible.