Published in:

21-03-2022 | Original Contribution

Assessment of iodine fortification of salt in the Danish population

Authors: Malene Outzen, Cecilie E. Lund, Tue Christensen, Ellen Trolle, Gitte Ravn-Haren

Published in: European Journal of Nutrition | Issue 6/2022

Abstract

Purpose

We assessed the effect of the current iodine fortification level (20 µg/g household salt and salt included in bread and bakery products) on inadequate and excessive intake in the general Danish population. Intake models with/without the contribution from food supplements and effects of excluding specific food groups were evaluated.

Method

Data from the Danish National Survey of Dietary Habits and Physical Activity in 2011–13 (N = 3946, aged 4–75 years) stratified by age-group and sex were used to estimate habitual dietary iodine intakes, and compared with established dietary reference values.

Results

The proportion with an estimated inadequate iodine intake was ≤ 3% for males and ≤ 5% for females, except for 15–17-year-old girls, where the probable prevalence of an inadequate intake was 11%. Including the contribution from food supplements gave similar results (10%). High intakes (as defined by 95th percentile) from food sources generally did not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL). However, for the youngest age-groups (4–6-year-old boys/girls and 7–10-year-old boys), the 95th percentiles exceeded the UL with 11%, 4% and 7%, respectively, when food supplements were included in the estimates. Especially exclusion of dairy products and bread led to an inadequate intake for both boys and girls.

Conclusion

The current fortification level may provide an inadequate iodine intake for some females and on the other hand lead to excessive intakes in the youngest age-groups. The study shows the importance of choosing iodine-rich alternatives when excluding major sources of iodine in the Danish diet.

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Title: Assessment of iodine fortification of salt in the Danish population
Authors: Malene Outzen
Cecilie E. Lund
Tue Christensen
Ellen Trolle
Gitte Ravn-Haren
Publication date: 21-03-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Nutrition / Issue 6/2022
Print ISSN: 1436-6207
Electronic ISSN: 1436-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-022-02826-x

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Assessment of iodine fortification of salt in the Danish population

Abstract

Purpose

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Results

Conclusion

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