Is iodine intake adequate in Norway?

Abstract

In 2016, the Norwegian National Nutrition Council concluded that inadequate iodine intake is widespread in sections of the Norwegian population, and that effective measures should be undertaken immediately. This literature review aims to summarise articles published since January 2016 that describe the iodine intake in Norway. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed and Embase. Altogether thirteen articles that reported intake of iodine from the diet or urinary iodine concentration were included. The recent studies confirm that inadequate iodine intake is widespread among women of fertile age, pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants who are exclusively breastfed, elderly persons, vegans and immigrants. There are few sources of iodine in the diet, and persons who avoid or have a low intake of milk and white fish are particularly vulnerable. Inadequate iodine intake is a matter of particular concern in women of fertile age. Healthcare personnel should be aware of this and in certain cases recommend iodine-rich foods or iodine supplements to these and other vulnerable groups.