Global Data Visualizations

Iodine status and intake estimates by country in a given population group.

This interactive map provides the risk of iodine deficiency or excess using urinary iodine concentration. The information provided here can help inform a range of programmatic and policy decisions, including improving existing iodine fortification programs, identifying opportunities to introduce iodine into existing or new fortification vehicles, or guiding broader micronutrient delivery strategies.

Iodine status or current iodine intake at the population level is measured using median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC). Low median values indicate iodine deficiency or insufficient intake; high median values indicate better iodine status or adequate intake; and very high values indicate excessive iodine intake and may suggest that iodine interventions, such as salt fortification, should be reviewed.

Iodine status categories (WHO 2013)

• Insufficient iodine
• Adequate iodine
• Iodine above requirements
• Excessive iodine

1. Click on the “Data” tab at the bottom of the visualization window.
2. Hover over the header row of the table until three dots appear.
3. Click “More options.”
4. Select “Export data.”
5. Choose your desired format (Excel or CSV) and click “Export.”

Using an application programming interface (API) from the World Health Organization, GFDx imports the following data from the Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System:

Population group: The group with data in this visualization, such as infants, school-age children, adolescents, pregnant women, women of reproductive age, men, and the elderly

Nutrient: iodine.

Indicator: The biomarker measured in individuals’ blood or urine to determine nutrient status in the population group; for iodine it is urinary iodine concentration.

For more information about GFDx methodology and indicators: GFDx Data Dictionary.

The data populating this visualization are from the World Health Organization’s Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System (VMNIS).

• WHO, 2013: Urinary iodine concentrations for determining iodine status deficiency in populations.

Global Fortification Data Exchange. Map: Iodine status estimates by country. Accessed dd/month/yyyy. [http://www.fortificationdata.org.]