We need iodine, a mineral found in some foods, to make thyroid hormones that control the body’s metabolism and support proper brain and bone development during childhood. People who don’t get enough iodine in their diet can’t make enough thyroid hormone. According to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), this can lead to developmental problems, including arrested fetal and infant development. Severe iodine deficiency in childhood has deleterious effects on the developing brain and nervous system, and “mild” iodine deficiency “might” cause “subtle problems with neurological development,” the NIH suggested.
UNICEF data suggests that 89% of the world’s population used salt with “some iodine” in 2020, a fact that has been key to the reduction of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). However, scientists at the World Iodine Association’s (WIA) 2nd international conference on iodine in food systems and health warned that a change in consumption habits could lead to a resurgence of TDIs with a possible ” long-term impact on brain development in European populations”.
The conference, which opened today in Rotterdam this week, heard that iodine is a critical ‘but largely overlooked’ essential nutrient.
“Today, thanks to global awareness campaigns, close to 90% of the world’s population uses iodized salt in their diet. However, this achievement is under threat due to many factors, including reduced awareness and commitment politics and changes in food consumption patterns, “suggested Dr. Werner Schultink, Executive Director of the Iodine Global Network.
The importance of this topic, Dr. Schultink continued, should not be underestimated. “The low cognitive performance of large-scale communities has dramatic consequences on societies,”warned.
Concern Raised About Plant-Based Transition
Iodine is found naturally in shellfish, dairy products, and eggs. This means that as more people switch to processed foods without iodized salt or vegan diets, there is concern that more of us may not be getting the amount of iodine we need in our diets.
“Iodine deficiency is potentially a growing problem as we move to a more plant-based diet, as we know there is less iodine from plant sources.”explained Dr. Sarah Bath, professor of public health nutrition at the University of Surrey.
“Plant-based food alternatives, such as milk alternatives, would benefit from being fortified with iodine to provide vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, adolescents and young adults, with a source of iodine if they follow a predominantly plant-based diet. floors”.the public health expert continued.
Agronomic biofortification ‘highly effective’
According to Professor Dr. Ismail Cakmak, from Sabanici University in Istanbul, agronomic biofortification of food and feed plants with iodine is a ‘highly effective’ solution, and one that scientists suggest European policymakers should consider.
“Available published data shows that the use of iodine-containing fertilizers is a rapid and cost-effective strategy for bringing iodine into food systems.”Professor Cakmak suggested. “Such an enrichment strategy could be a way forward to reduce TDIs in human populations.”
Greater awareness needed in EU politics
The WIA wants to see an increase in awareness among European policy makers of the risks, and possible solutions, related to insufficient iodine intake. Attilio Caligiani, WIA Director General and Corporate Affairs Partner at The Hague, noted: “It is crucial that the scientific, medical and patient communities, as well as industry, agree on a common strategy and jointly advocate for a European policy framework that facilitates the implementation of the various solutions discussed.“
“We ask for greater vigilance from the European health authorities on this matter,”Dr. Schultink added.
For Professor Dr. MD Henry Völzke, Greifswald Medical University, a multi-stakeholder approach is needed to promote solutions and support education on IDD prevention in Europe. Alliances such as EUthyroid, an EU-funded project coordinated by Professor Völzke, are working to promote the implementation of a cost-effective and harmonized approach to iodine deficiency prevention in Europe.
“EUthyroid has found significant barriers to optimized iodine fortification programs, including low awareness of the risks related to iodine deficiency in the general population. As a next step, EUthyroid will define best practice models for accessing and informing adolescents and young women as high-risk groups about the importance of iodine intake,” said Professor Völzke.