• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.503-514
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• 2022

Objectives: This study examines the status of iodine intake and compares the characteristics (region and thyroid disease prevalence) according to the iodine-sourced food intake pattern in Chinese adults. Methods: An online survey was conducted by enrolling 437 Chinese adults aged 18-65 years, living in three regions with different iodine nutritional statuses: Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guangdong. Results: The prevalence of thyroid diseases in Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guangdong were 12.5%, 8.5%, and 2.8%, respectively. Conversely, the proportion of people who received thyroid disease-related examinations was a mere 37.5%. Among the subjects who underwent thyroid examination, the prevalence of thyroid disease in the three regions was 32.2%, 21.8%, and 8.0%, respectively. No differences were obtained in the total iodine intake by region, but the type of iodine source foods differed. Regardless of the region, the highest iodine content was obtained from seaweed. However, the iodine content from iodized salt and other foods differed significantly by region. Factor analysis revealed three food intake patterns according to the iodine food source. The study further determined regional differences and differences in the prevalence of thyroid disease according to food intake patterns. Conclusions: High salt intake can also increase iodine intake, which is thought to have an effect on the occurrence of iodine-excess thyroid disease. Hence, efforts focused on improving salty eating habits need to be implemented.