-Automatic translation

This study aims to measure the iodine concentration in the urine of 2.5-year-old children to gather information about their iodine status. Due to the low iodine consumption of adults, the use of iodized salt in bread production in Iceland is being considered. However, ensuring that measures to improve public health do not harm vulnerable groups such as young children is essential. Therefore, information on the iodine status of young children is needed to assess whether it is safe to recommend using iodized salt in bread production. The Scientific Committee of the Primary Health Care of the Capital Area and the National Bioethics Committee has approved the study.

Eight healthcare centres are participating in the study and presenting it to parents and guardians of 2.5-year-old children who bring their child in for an examination. The participating centers are located in Árbær, Garðabær, Glæsibær, Hamraborg, Hlíðar, Höfði, Salahverfi and Sólvangur. Participation in the study is voluntary. All information about the study, including instructions on how to collect a urine sample, will be available in Icelandic and English.

Iodine is a vital mineral that we get in trace amounts from our diet. It is necessary to produce thyroid hormones, which are essential for us, including during pregnancy, for normal growth and development of the fetus. We mainly get iodine from dairy products (except cheese) and lean fish such as haddock and cod. A study conducted in 2017-2018 detected inadequate iodine status among pregnant women in Iceland for the first time. Furthermore, a national dietary survey from 2019-2021 showed that adults generally do not get enough iodine.

Further information
Jóhanna Eyrún Torfadóttir and Hólmfríður Þorgeirsdóttir, project managers of nutrion at the Directorate of Health

Further reading

• Insufficient iodine status in pregnant women as a consequence of dietary changes

• Dietary Surveys