New Iodine Food Composition Database and Updated Calculations of Iodine Intake among Norwegians.

Monica Carlsen,Lisbeth Dahl,Lene Andersen,Nina Norberg,Anette Hjartåker

doi:10.3390/nu10070930

Monica Carlsen, Lisbeth Dahl + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10070930

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Abstract

Iodine food composition data of Norwegian foods have been sparse and knowledge about different dietary iodine sources limited. We compiled a comprehensive iodine food composition database and estimated dietary iodine intake among adults in the latest Norwegian national dietary survey (Norkost 3). The iodine content of food and beverages were compiled using international guidelines and standards. Iodine content of 3259 food items were compiled, including analytical values, values from other food composition databases, estimated values, and values that were based on recipes. Estimated iodine intake in the Norkost 3 population ranged from 15 to 1462 µg/day. Men had significantly higher intake of iodine than women (p < 0.001). The proportion of men and women with estimated iodine intake below average requirement was 19% and 33%, respectively. In young women, 46% had estimated iodine intakes below average requirement and a high probability of inadequate iodine intake. Several dietary sources contributed to iodine intake and differences in the consumption pattern may put subgroups at risk of insufficient iodine intake. In the coming years, the determination of iodine in foods and national dietary surveys should be regularly performed to monitor the iodine intake in the Norwegian population.

Highlights

Iodine is an essential nutrient for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which are involved in regulating the body’s metabolism and they are required for normal growth and the development of the brain and central nervous system [1,2,3]
Since both iodine deficiency and excess iodine exposure are associated with adverse outcomes, assessing population iodine status is an imperative public health initiative
When compiling from scientific literature and food composition databases the most important factors considered were the matching of the food item, if the food item had been fortified with iodine or not, and the time since the analysis was done; using the most recent data available

Summary

Introduction

Iodine is an essential nutrient for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which are involved in regulating the body’s metabolism and they are required for normal growth and the development of the brain and central nervous system [1,2,3]. Iodine deficiency in humans results in a variety of disorders depending on the severity of the deficiency and at what age the deficiency occurs [1,3]. Sufficient iodine intakes are of pivotal importance during pregnancy and early childhood. Inadequate levels of iodine may result in goiter and other adverse health outcomes [1,3]. Excessive iodine intake has been associated with increased rates of thyroid dysfunction [1,4]. Since both iodine deficiency and excess iodine exposure are associated with adverse outcomes, assessing population iodine status is an imperative public health initiative. To assess iodine status in a population, measurement of urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) is recommended, while estimations of intake may be done using dietary assessment methods and food composition data [5,6]

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