Decreased, but still sufficient, iodine intake of children and adults in the Netherlands

Abstract

Sufficient I intake is important for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which play an important role in normal growth and development. Our aim was to estimate habitual I intake for the Dutch population and the risk of inadequate or excessive intakes. Further, we aimed to provide an insight into the dietary sources of I and the association with socio-demographic factors. Data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2007–2010 (n 3819; 7–69 years), and from the Dutch food and supplement composition tables were used to estimate habitual I intake with a calculation model. Contribution of food groups to I intake were computed and multiple linear regression was used to examine associations of intakes with socio-demographic factors. A total of ≤2 % of the population had an intake below the estimated average requirement or above the upper level. The main sources of I were bread containing iodised salt (39 %), dairy products (14 %) and non-alcoholic drinks (6 %). I intake (natural sources only, excluding iodised salt and supplements) was positively associated with (parental) education, which could at least partly be attributed to a higher consumption of dairy products. Among children, the consumption of bread, often containing iodised bakery salt, was positively associated with parental education. The I intake of the Dutch population (7–69 years) seems adequate, although it has decreased since the period before 2008. With the current effort to reduce salt intake and changing dietary patterns (i.e. less bread, more organic foods) it is important to keep a close track on the I status, important sources and potential risk groups.

Maternal Iodine Status During Pregnancy Is Not Consistently Associated with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Autistic Traits in Children

“…These associations in the Generation R cohort only may seem counter-intuitive, because at population level, iodine deficiency in this population is relatively less severe and certainly less common than in the INMA or ALSPAC populations. The Netherlands has a well implemented iodine fortification program ( 77 ). The proportion of households consuming iodized salt is estimated to be 60%–70%, which is relatively high compared with Spain and the UK [16% and 2%, respectively ( 78 )].…”

Food Consumption, Nutrient Intake and Status during the First 1000 Days of Life in The Netherlands: A Systematic Review

“…In addition, changing national legislations and policies may have affected the nutrient composition of the food: In the Netherlands, fortification of foods with vitamin D and folic acid are allowed since 2007 [209]. In 2008 the Dutch policy on the addition of iodized salt changed, resulting in a decrease of iodine intake among the Dutch population [210].…”

Development of Databases on Iodine in Foods and Dietary Supplements

“…Nevertheless, the task may be approached on a country-by-country basis. For example, the Netherlands provides a database on the composition of supplements that is linked to the national food composition tables [ 89 ]; this database has been used as part of an iodine intake assessment study in children and adults [ 90 ]. Similarly, dietary supplement databases have been developed and then used for iodine intake assessment in pregnant and lactating women in Norway [ 26 , 27 , 28 ] and in pregnant women [ 29 ] and adults [ 30 ] in Denmark.…”