The objective of the present investigation , implemented within the framework of special monitoring of the Ostrava-Karviná area in 2001 was to verify by laboratory methods the iodine saturation of preschool children in the district, to compare the results with data available in the literature. Based on assessed results, to enforce more effectively a possible intervention programme for increasing the dietary iodine intake. In collaboration with two nursery schools in the Karviná district 120 specimens of morning urine of children were collected for assessment of ioduria. From this total number of examined children 112, i.e. 93% had adequate ioduria levels i.e., above 100 ug iodine /l urine. Further analysis revealed that of these children 49 (41%) had an optimal ioduria within the range of 150-290 ug iodine /l urine and 53 (44%) had ioduria above 290 ug iodine/l urine. The investigation was supplemented by a questionnaire survey of the dietary habits in their homes and evaluation of the consumption in particular as regards indicators which may participate at the level ´of iodine saturation of the children, the energy and biological value of the diet served to preschool children in their nursery school canteen.

        Key words: ioduria – iodine saturation of preschool children – dietary habits in families – standard of school meals – intervention