Researching iodine deficiency among indigenous peoples

There are more than 4 million indigenous Karen people living in Thailand and Myanmar, many of them in remote rural areas along the border between the two countries.  Researchers at the Institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University were concerned that their iodine status was not being monitored.

Working with IGN and ETH University in Zurich, they decided to try to address the problem through a sentinel survey that would give an indication whether iodine deficiency was present in the Laiwo subdistrict of Kanchanburi province in Thailand.  Results from this survey could then be used to emphasize the need for iodized salt to reach these people in the border areas.

Led by Dr. Sueppong Gowachirapant of Mahidol University, supported by research students, the team  travelled to Laiwo, located in the Thungyai Naresuan National Wildlife Sanctuary. The community of about 6 villages can be reached only by four-wheel drive vehicle or motorcycle, and in the rainy season only by trekking along the mountainous and muddy trail. The study tested the iodine status of school children and women through spot urine samples and iodine content in salt through samples brought from their households.

Data from the study is currently being analyzed at Mahidol University.