[Local data] The first city-wide iodine survey in Hong Kong

Questionnaire interviews and spot urine iodine tests were performed for all subjects whereas thyroid ultrasonography was done for school-aged children. Key findings are listed below:

• School-aged children
  • Median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 115 mcg/L (classified as “adequate” iodine intake as per the cut-off points recommended in the WHO’s Guide)
  • Total goitre rate assessed with body surface area-specific reference values and age-specific reference values (1.7% and 2.2% respectively) were within the category of “none” degree for iodine deficiency as per the prevalence of goitre by WHO
     
• Pregnant women
  • Median UIC was 134 mcg/L (classified as “insufficient” iodine intake*)
  • Median UIC of women taking iodine-containing supplements at an average daily iodine intake of at least 150 mcg/day was 156 mcg/L (classified as “adequate” iodine intake*)
     
• Lactating women
  • Median UIC was 65 mcg/L (classified as “insufficient” iodine intake*)
  • Median UIC of lactating women taking iodine-containing supplements at an average daily iodine intake of at least 150 mcg/day was 84 mcg/L (classified as “insufficient” iodine intake*)  

* According to the WHO classification

Link to the full report:
https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/iodine_survey_report_en.pdf
 

WYE-EM-162-SEP-21

Reference

Hong Kong Department of Health. Iodine survey report. August 2021.
 

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