Iodine deficiency status in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: a systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#deficiency-diseases #dietary-supplements #humans #iodine #mediterranean-region

Iodine deficiency status in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: a systematic review

Mohammadi et al., 2018 | Environ Geochem Health | Systematic Review

Citation

Mohammadi Masoumeh, Azizi Fereidoun, Hedayati Mehdi. Iodine deficiency status in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: a systematic review. Environ Geochem Health. 2018-Feb;40(1):87-97. doi:10.1007/s10653-017-9911-z

Abstract

Iodine deficiency is a global public health issue because iodine plays a major role in the thyroid hormone synthesis and is essential for normal neurological development. This review summarizes the publications on iodine status in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries. All related studies available in main national and international databases were systematically searched using some specific keywords to find article published between 1909 and 2015. The prevention of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) in the WHO EMR countries is currently under control without significant side effects. Mild to severe IDDs exist in some countries of the Middle East, due to lack of effective iodine supplementation program, but the Islamic Republic of Iran, Jordan, Bahrain and Tunisia have achieved the goal of universal salt iodization. Overall, despite enormous efforts to control IDDs, still IDD remains a serious public health problem in some countries of the region, requiring urgent control and prevention measures.

Key Findings

Overall, despite enormous efforts to control IDDs, still IDD remains a serious public health problem in some countries of the region, requiring urgent control and prevention measures.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Deficiency Diseases
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Iodine
  • Mediterranean Region
  • Sodium Chloride, Dietary
  • World Health Organization

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: iodine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09