Abstract. Aim. Study of this issue is relevant and importantin theoretical andclinical medicine. Low content of iodine in water and food is a cause an iodine deficiency in children and adolescents in the Republic of Dagestan. These data are great importance in medical practice. This article covers one of the pressing issues concerning vitamin and micronutrient deficiency, which affects half of children and teenagers in different areas of the Republic of Dagestan and Russian Federation.

Methods. Children and adolescents of the Republic of Dagestan were objects of study. The iodine content in samples of drinking water and food were examined for the 44 administrative districts of the Republic of Dagestan. Data processing programs were carried out in the AU "SGM" and the Excel.

Results. Full and proper nutrition is the most important condition for maintaining health, high performance and endurance of man and the nation’s gene. It is established that the Republic of Dagestan is a region with iodine deficiency in water and food, which leads to the development of thyroid diseases.

Main conclusions. It is obvious that without appropriate measures for the prevention of iodine deficiency and treatment of diseases associated with it isn't possible to change the situation for the better health of future generations. This problem requires a comprehensive solution that provides replenishment of iodine deficiency in the population (mainly children), including iodization of food and bottled water with affordable and effective technologies.