Iodized Oil: Its Role in the Management of Iodine Deficiency Disorders

lthough universal salt iodization has been used as the most effective method of providing iodine supplementation, in areas where salt iodization program has failed, or when iodized salt is not widely available, iodized oil can be used for iodine supplementation. Following administration of iodized oil, iodine is continuously released from the lipid stores over long periods of time. The effect may last for one year after oral and up to 3-7 years after intramuscular administration, helping to prevent endemic goiter, physical and psychomotor retardation, and the undesirable preand postnatal complications of iodine deficiency. Iodized oil administration decreases the size of goiter, reverses hypothyroidism, improves psychomotor performance and corrects auditory disturbances caused by iodine deficiency. Dermatologic complications, iodine induced hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may occur following its use, but enhancement of thyroid autoimmunity and thyroiditis have rarely been reported. The use of iodized oil during pregnancy has no deleterious effects on the thyroid function of the offspring.