iodine status assessment

Iodine status assessment measures how well a population is getting enough iodine, an essential nutrient for healthy thyroid function and hormone production. It typically involves testing biological samples like urine, blood, or breast milk to determine iodine levels. Urinary iodine concentration is the most common indicator because it reflects recent iodine intake. This assessment helps identify iodine deficiency or excess in a community, guiding public health actions such as fortification programs or dietary recommendations to ensure optimal iodine nutrition and prevent related health issues.