The incidence of thyroid in selected regions of the Czech Republic in terms of saturation with iodine

24 9. SUMMARY 1. Natural sources such as water or soil contain iodine in low amounts in the Czech Republic. 2. Clinical manifestations of iodopenia were severe and occured in certain geographical areas in the past. 3. Iodization of table salt started in the fifties of the last century as a result of extensive epidemiological research and since then it has significantly improved iodine saturation in general. 4. Further steps in iodine prophylaxis in the mid-nineties of the 20th century have improved iodine saturation according to ICCIDD/WHO criteria. 5. Resolution of iodine deficiency does not represent, however, a closed chapter. 6. Individuals at risk, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and patients on a salt- restricted diet, are worthy of public health concern. 7. There needs to be increased awareness of chronic excess of iodine with respect to an increasing prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disorders. 8. There is a need to continue education of the general population focused on adequate iodine intake from various foods (see products, milk) and to maintain a daily iodine intake in the "optimal ranges". Based on the international criteria, the Czech Republic is iodine sufficient country. This happened due to a multidisciplinary collaboration coordinated by the Regional Iodine Deficiency Council..