Study iodine deficiency impairs the intelligence of many children

Common iodine deficiency reduces the intelligence of European children

For some time now, experts have complained that the supply of iodine in Europe is insufficient. This has dramatic consequences: According to researchers, up to 50 percent of newborns may be affected by iodine deficiency in brain development. Scientists call politics to action.

Expectant mothers should absolutely avoid iodine deficiency

Especially pregnant women should avoid iodine deficiency, have warned physicians for a long time. Even a slight iodine deficiency in pregnancy could lead to a disturbed brain development of the child and thus to a reduced intelligence. Conversely, a better IQ of the offspring could be achieved by the administration of iodine in pregnancy, as British researchers found. But despite such findings, scientists fear that up to 50 percent of all newborns in Europe are impaired due to iodine deficiency in brain development, the University of Greifswald reported in a statement.

The micronutrient iodine is essential for the development of intelligence in children and adolescents. According to experts, even a slight iodine deficiency in pregnancy could lead to a disturbed brain development of the child and thus to a reduced intelligence. (Image: Robert Kneschke / fotolia.com)

Essential for the development of intelligence in children

Iodine deficiency is one of the major risk factors for thyroid disorders (for example, hypothyroidism) in children and adults.

In addition, the micronutrient iodine is essential for the development of intelligence in children and adolescents.

With the Krakow Declaration on Iodine, scientists from the EU-funded EUthyroid project and several stakeholders are calling on Europe's policymakers to adopt policies that address widespread iodine deficiency.

Increased need for iodine during pregnancy

European scientists from 27 countries recently presented their findings on the current state of iodine deficiency diseases in Krakow (Poland) within the project EUthyroid (project number: 634453).

Our drinking water and food provide the essential micronutrient iodine needed for the production of thyroid hormones.

These messengers regulate the metabolism in the human body, promote the physical growth and mental development of children and adolescents.

During pregnancy, women have an increased need for iodine, which is often not covered by their normal diet.

Scientists are worried because even a mild iodine deficiency of the mother can lead to a deterioration of the intelligence quotient (IQ) in the child.

Despite this essential role of iodine, most expectant mothers know nothing of the negative effects of iodine deficiency on their offspring.

Regular control of iodine supply in the population demanded

Experts warn that despite the existing voluntary iodine enrichment programs in many European countries, up to 50 percent of all newborns are mildly deficient in iodine.

As a result, there is a risk that these children may not fully exploit their cognitive development potential and, for example, experience learning problems at school.

In addition, there is a danger that lower IQ levels in parts of the population will affect the economic performance of entire nations.

Beyond brain development, the multiple effects of iodine deficiency significantly impact public health systems.

Although these effects are well known, policy makers, opinion leaders and the general public have largely ignored prevention programs for iodine deficiency diseases in Europe.

In this case, iodized foods represent an established and cost-effective measure to counteract iodine deficiency.

But in Europe, only about one in four household uses iodine salt, as experts have reported.

For decades, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been calling for regular control of iodine supply in the population as an important step in raising and eliminating iodine deficiency in Europe.

Nevertheless, only eight countries in the EU fulfill this minimum requirement.

Scientific results and fears are ignored

Scientists are increasingly concerned about the lack of commitment by policymakers to eradicating iodine deficiency in Europe.

The consortium, in association with various stakeholders, therefore calls upon policy-makers, health-care professionals and scientists to implement well-known effective strategies to prevent iodine-deficiency diseases across Europe.

The Kraków Declaration on Iodine brings together experts to eliminate iodine deficiency. They demand:

• Uniform preventive measures: industrial and commercial leaders and policymakers should harmonize salt iodination to ensure free trade in iodine-fortified foods in Europe. Iodized pet food should also receive regulatory approval to ensure free trade within the EU.

• Control of Prevention Measures: National governments and health authorities must periodically conduct a single monitoring and evaluation of iodination programs to ensure optimal iodine supply to the population.

• Support for preventive measures: Scientists, together with representatives from the healthcare sector, patient organizations, industry and the public, should support the necessary preventive measures. Only in this way can it be ensured that suitable measures are taken in a rapidly changing society in order to effectively prevent iodine deficiency diseases. In addition, the knowledge about iodine deficiency diseases should be passed on through appropriate information campaigns.

The signatories of the Kraków Declaration on Iodine urge all actors in Europe and globally to pool resources and expertise to eradicate iodine deficiency. (Ad)