Prevention thumb|right|A 3-month-old infant with untreated congenital hypothyroidism showing myxedematous facies, a big tongue, and skin mottling Hypothyroidism may be prevented in a population by adding iodine to commonly used foods. This public health measure has eliminated endemic childhood hypothyroidism in countries where it was once common. In addition to promoting the consumption of iodine-rich foods such as dairy and fish, many countries with moderate iodine deficiency have implemented universal salt iodization. Encouraged by the World Health Organization, 70% of the world's population across 130 countries are receiving iodized salt. In some countries, iodized salt is added to bread. Despite this, iodine deficiency has reappeared in some Western countries due to attempts to reduce salt intake.
prevention thumb|right|a 3-month-old infant with untreated congenital hypothyroidism showing myxedematous facies a big tongue and skin mottling hypothyroidism may be prevented in a population by adding iodine to commonly used foods this public health measure has eliminated endemic childhood hypothyroidism in countries where it was once common in addition to promoting the consumption of iodine-rich foods such as dairy and fish many countries with moderate iodine deficiency have implemented universal salt iodization encouraged by the world health organization 70% of the world's population across 130 countries are receiving iodized salt in some countries iodized salt is added to bread despite this iodine deficiency has reappeared in some western countries due to attempts to reduce salt intake