[Endemic iodine deficiency in Hungary and possibilities of iodine substitution].

Following a short historical review the authors summarize the latest results regarding domestic iodine supply. Iodine content in drinking waters, samples of mother's milk, urine and goiter screening data from all regions of Hungary unanimously verify that significant part of the population is deficient in iodine, yet supplementation of iodine is still even today an unsolved problem in our country. In the search for the reasons the authors review the theoretical possibilities of iodine supplementation by discussing advantages and disadvantages of the individual models. They establish that alimentary iodine supplementation in itself is not suitable due to both theoretical and practical reasons for the complete elimination of iodine deficiency, therefore they make recommendations to supplement iodine in other ways. They also discuss the effect of selenium deficiency on the metabolism of thyroid hormones. They call attention that domestic, endemic selenium deficiency may be related to the frequency of Hungarian occurrences of iodine deficiency disorders. The authors review the iodine deficiency disorders and their effects on the health of present and future generations. They compare the practical benefit and costs of iodine supplementation, and furthermore discuss in detail the possible side effects of iodine supplementation.