Vigorous efforts against iodine deficiency in Europe
Eighty years after Sweden began fortifying table salt with iodine, iodine deficiency remains a threat to global public health. Iodine intake is too low in many European countries, and now a network of experts will propose appropriate actions.
To fortify or not to fortify table salt with iodine? It should not be a question at all. At the fetal stage and the first months of life, even mild iodine deficiency can impede the development of vital organs; it is also among the most common causes of mental developmental disorders.
In Sweden, iodine deficiency is essentially eradicated, but it is still an enormous threat to public health in many countries.
“In Europe, 30 leading experts from 27 countries are working on the EUthyroid Project, an all-European project aiming to study European iodine intake. Our preliminary findings indicate insufficient levels in one in three countries, and the goal now is for the material to provide a basis for suitable actions to harmonize and improve iodine intake among European populations,” says Mehari Gebre-Medhin, professor emeritus of international child health.
Iodine fortification of table salt
Just a few generations ago, many regions in Sweden suffered significantly from iodine deficiency, and as a result of a medical proclamation in 1936, voluntary industrial fortification of table salt with iodine was introduced. The model has since been deemed exemplary, and our domestic iodine consumption is now seen as entirely consistent with scientific recommendations.
”At the same time, it is our duty to future generations to continue to inform them of the necessity of iodine, and as long as there is consensus among researchers, politicians, production managers and the media, I see no cause for concern,” says Mehari Gebre-Medhin.
Biggest problem in developing countries
The greatest challenges to address regarding iodine deficiency are expected in countries that currently lack the infrastructure to take the necessary steps. Globally, this primarily involves developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America, where negative effects as a result of iodine deficiency in some areas have been found in up to fifteen percent of the population.
Health-economic aspects and worry about intellectual disabilities in children have resulted in discussions in many European countries about possible legislation for iodine fortification, a decision with which Mehari Gebre-Medhin has significant experience.
“In the 1990s, Uppsala University and China began a collaboration that, with support from SIDA, resulted in a country-wide, massive informational campaign and Chinese legislation to fortify table salt with iodine. Two decades later, we can say that iodine deficiency and its negative effects have drastically declined throughout China. My point is that every country must find a suitable path, but it is unacceptable not to act when we currently have all the information that is needed.”
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Magnus Alsne