Dietary habits and iodine status among schoolchildren in Morocco (original) (raw)
Because iodine deficiency affects 2 billion persons worldwide, its elimination is considered as a global health priority. Inadequate daily intake of iodine can lead to iodine deficiency which can alter physical and mental functions and accelerate cognitive impairment of schoolchildren. Our study aims to determine the iodine status of Moroccan schoolchildren as well as their dietary habits and frequency of consumption of foods that are considered as good sources of dietary iodine, including iodized salt. In an observational study 182 children (aged 7-9 years) were selected from 3 primary schools situated in rural mountainous areas of Morocco. Answers to an adapted food frequency questionnaire and data regarding socio economic status were obtained at the beginning of the survey. Random urine samples were collected in the morning to assess urinary iodine using the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. Our results showed that iodine deficiency was prevalent in schoolchildren, 82.7% of subjects had an urinary iodine concentration (UIC) <100µg/l and the median of the urinary iodine concentration was found to be 59.6µg/l. Overall, the study population has limited resources and more than 60% spend less than 110 US $ for food monthly. Analysis of dietary habits of children relative to consumption of foods rich in iodine showed that 95% of families did not use fortified salt, 30% of schoolchildren did not consume dairy products, 100% did not eat shellfish and 10% did not eat fish. However 59.16% were consuming fish at least once a week. The schoolchildren living in high altitude rural areas of Morocco have an unbalanced nutritional profile resulting from a monotonous diet of poor quality which can cause various health hazards.
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