La deficiencia de yodo es reconocida como la principal causa de daño cerebral y retardo mental (cretinismo) que pueden ser prevenidos, y es causa también de bocio endémico, trastornos en la fisiología reproductiva y otras alteraciones conocidas en forma conjunta como desórdenes por deficiencia de yodo. La prevalencia severa de bocio y cretinismo endémicos en la sierra y en la selva del Perú ha estado presente desde antes de la llegada de los españoles y fue reconocida durante la Conquista y el Virreinato. Varios estudios posteriores han demostrado su persistencia hasta épocas recientes, dado que la deficiencia de yodo es un fenómeno natural permanente en dichas regiones. Entre los años 40s y 50s en casi todos los países de América Latina resurgió el interés por controlar la deficiencia de yodo y en el Perú se dispuso la yodación de la sal para consumo humano con tal prop...

Introduction: Endemic goiter and cretinism in both highlands and Amazon jungle regions have been recognized in Peruvian history, because of the permanent natural iodine deficiency in these areas, and both conditions received little attention. New research studies initiated in the 60s proved the persistence of severe iodine deficiency, and also that this deficiency is a cause of preventable brain damage, so a program for controlling iodine deficiency disorders was created in 1983, and it was fully implemented in 1986.Material and method: The strategic action plan of the program included immediate protection of the population at high risk with the use of iodized oil and a progressive increase in production, quality and consumption of iodized salt. At the same time a well-trained and motivated national network was developed, with the support of an intensive communication program, ...

Introduction: Endemic goiter and cretinism in both highlands and Amazon jungle regions have been recognized in Peruvian history, because of the permanent natural iodine deficiency in these areas, and both conditions received little attention. New research studies initiated in the 60s proved the persistence of severe iodine deficiency, and also that this deficiency is a cause of preventable brain damage, so a program for controlling iodine deficiency disorders was created in 1983, and it was fully implemented in 1986.Material and method: The strategic action plan of the program included immediate protection of the population at high risk with the use of iodized oil and a progressive increase in production, quality and consumption of iodized salt. At the same time a well-trained and motivated national network was developed, with the support of an intensive communication program, ...