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Evaluation of dietary habits, mood changes and prevalence of thyroid disorders in a population of Ecuador

Abstract:

Studies carried out in Ecuador on the nutritional status of iodine have shown significant improvement over the years. The study was carried out in 4 provinces of Ecuador, A survey was undertaken together with an informa-tion of the consumption of foods rich in iodine, ioduria and the prevalence of thyroid dysfunctions. The population evaluated has been from the provinces of Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Pastaza. A questionnaire on fish, milk and iodized salt consumption was administered. A total of 273 questionnaires were completed (40% in Tungurahua, 20% in Cotopaxi, 20% in Chimborazo, and 20% in Pastaza). The mean age was 48 years (SD: 15); 69,6% were women. A total of 61,9% of interviewees reported they consumed iodized salt; 34,4% reported daily milk intake and 8,4% consumed fish more than 4 times a month. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 8,8%, hyperthyroidism 4,4%, thyroiditis 5,5% and 5,9% presented nodules.