Enrichment of cow milk by feeding potassium iodide

Abstract

Iodine is an essential dietary element for mammals, required for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones; thyroxin (T4, 3,5,3’,5’-tetraiodothyronine), and its active form T3 (3,5,3’-triiodothyronine) (SCF,2002). Thyroid hormones play a major role in the growth and development of brain and central nervous systems, control of several metabolic processes in body including carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamin and mineral metabolism (EFSA, 2005). Milk and dairy products are an important source of iodine for human. Iodine concentration of cow milk can be influenced by its concentration in the diet or pasteurization process. A Linear correlation between iodine content of the diet and concentration in cow milk has been reported (Hemken; 1979, Fish & Swenson; 1982, Lysbet et. al, 2003). This study was conducted in order to increase the iodine concentration of cow milk in accordance with human requirements by examining (i) inclusion rate of iodine in the animals diet and (ii) the effect of pasteurization process.