Is iodine deficiency still relevant?
Gärtner, R.
MMW Fortschritte der Medizin 149(8): 29-32
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 1438-3276 PMID: 17615697 Document Number: 614070
In Germany, iodine deficiency and its consequences are still a problem, although it is of less importance than it was 20 years ago. In accordance with the WHO definition, Germany is still one of the countries with mild iodine deficiency and with very low iodine intake. At-risk groups, such as pregnant and nursing women, should take iodine supplementation to increase the amount of iodine in their breast milk. Both in the private households and in the food industry, the use of iodized salt should be increased to >90%. This entails no risk of an iodine overdose. The current average daily intake of iodine of ~120 micro g could prevent the development or progression of autoimmune diseases and thyroid diseases.