[The supply of iodine in the province of Vorarlberg].

For evaluation of iodine supply in Vorarlberg, Austria, iodine urine excretion was measured in 299 patients. The Mean was 74,3 +/- 53,6 micrograms J/g Cr, the Median 61 micrograms J/g Cr. 79% of the patients showed an iodine deficiency I according to WHO classification and 41% an iodine deficiency II. In this patient group were included 44 subjects with no thyroid disease who showed an iodine excretion of 70.8 +/- 56,5 micrograms J/g Cr and a Median of 50,5 micrograms J/g Cr. There was no statistical difference to the values of the patient group. Regional evaluation of iodine supply showed an iodine deficiency I in 78% and an iodine deficiency II in 38% in the industrial region of the Rheintal. In the region Walgau with mixed industrial-rural population an iodine deficiency I was found in 81% and an iodine deficiency II in 45%. In the rural areas of Bregenzerwald and deep valleys an iodine deficiency I could be demonstrated in 81% and 83% respectively and an iodine deficiency II in 47 and 57% respectively. This moderate but statistically not significant differences show the minor influence of alimentation in iodine supply. Assuming a constant table salt consumption the results support the common belief that iodine supply in iodine deficient areas is strongly connected to incorporation of iodinated table salt. Therefore an increase of the iodination of table salt in Austria seems to be necessary to guarantee sufficient iodine supply.