Abstract
Iodine deficiency (ID) is associated with increased prevalence of goiter, increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, and is the
world’s leading cause of intellectual deficits. Iodine nutritional status of a population is assessed by measurements of urinary iodine
concentrations which are also used to define, indicate, survey and monitor iodine deficiency and consequently its treatment. Several methods
are available for urinary iodine determination. Discussed here are some of the limitations and controversies related to urinary iodine
determinations, and recent findings with emphasis on measurements of urinary iodine concentrations in children and during pregnancy. ©
2002 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. All rights reserved.