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Under Powers? Only one in four household uses iodised salt
Many people in Europe suffer from iodine deficiency. This undersupply can lead to thyroid disease. In addition, the lack of pregnancy may result in a reduced intelligence of the child. Scientists now want to develop measures for better care.
Measures to improve iodine supply
Scientists from a total of 27 European countries now want to fight iodine deficiency. In the next three years, the newly established EUthyroid network will cover the supply of iodine to the European population. In addition, measures will be developed to sustainably improve iodine supply. According to a news agency dpa news agency, the project coordinator of the network, Henry Völzke, said that it was likely that the iodine level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) would be undercut in many European countries.
Consequences of general iodine deficiency. Image: Henrie - fotolia Expectant mothers should absolutely avoid iodine deficiency
Especially pregnant women should avoid iodine deficiency, warn physicians. 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 administering iodine during pregnancy, as British researchers recently reported. It is also known that iodine deficiency is one of the most important risk factors for thyroid disorders (such as hypothyroidism) in children and adults, as Völzke explained. The Greifswald doctor is the only representative of Germany in the "Iodine Global Network", a WHO-affiliated organization. He will coordinate the three million euro research project.
Mountain regions particularly affected by iodine deficiency
As the doctor explained, it was only in Iceland that the high consumption of seafood allowed sufficient natural iodine intake. In countries such as Switzerland or Poland, the deficiency is compensated by a clearly regulated and legally prescribed iodine salt prophylaxis. In other nations, such as Germany, iodine salt prophylaxis is voluntary. According to the scientists, only 27 percent of European households use iodized salt. Mountain regions are particularly affected by iodine deficiency. "Another problem is that with a more conscious, lower-salt diet, the iodine intake decreases," said Völzke. High salt intake promotes high blood pressure, which in the long term cause damage to important organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels and can subsequently cause life-threatening diseases such as heart attacks or strokes. According to recommendations of the German Society for Nutrition (DGE), adults should not consume more than six grams of table salt per day. The WHO recommended median is 100 micrograms of iodine per liter of urine.
No uniform data
"Currently there are no standardized data on the iodine supply situation in Europe, despite the fact that the survey methods are very different", explained Völzke. "So far, we can only make assumptions about the magnitude of the health problems, which triggers a deficient iodine supply." The investigation methods should be standardized with the EUthyriod network. The scientists also want to develop measures to improve iodine supply. For example, iodine salt prophylaxis could be regulated in all European countries and the iodine concentration in salt could be adjusted to the changed consumer behavior. (Ad)