Endemic goiter associated with high iodine intake.

OBJECTIVES This study assessed the relation of iodine content of household water to thyroid size and urinary iodine excretion in an area with high iodine concentration in the water. METHODS The iodine content of household water and indicators of iodine status (thyroid size and urinary iodine level) were assessed in selected villages in Jiangsu Province, China. RESULTS Water iodine levels were positively correlated with urinary iodine levels and indicators of thyroid size at the township level. CONCLUSIONS Excess iodine in household water was the likely cause of endemic goiter and elevated urinary iodine levels in the study area. This finding affects public health policy on the institution of universal salt iodization for the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.