Online Program

293469
New Zealand and iodine deficiency: Lessons learned


Monday, November 4, 2013 : 9:10 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Sheila Skeaff, MSc, PhD, Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Studies conducted in the early part of the 20th century found that urinary iodine excretion of NZ residents, an index of iodine intake, was much lower than that reported in nearby Pacific Islands or parts of Australia. The introduction of iodised table salt in 1939 improved iodine status and reduced goiter rates by the early 1950s. In the 1960s the dairy industry began using iodophors, further increasing iodine intakes. However, in the 1980s a decline in the use of iodised table salt, the replacement of iodophors by non-iodine containing disinfectants and an increase in the use of non-iodised rock salt, resulted in a re-emergence of mild iodine deficiency in the early 1990s. In 2009, the NZ government introduced the mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt as a public health strategy to alleviate iodine deficiency. Fortifying a limited number of foods in a sequential manner (i.e. salt and then bread) may decrease iodine-induced hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when iodine intakes are increased after a long period of iodine deficiency. Recent data in NZ suggests that the fortification of bread has modestly improved iodine status, but those who eat little or no bread do not benefit. In 2010, the government recommended all pregnant women take an iodine supplement to meet their increased requirements, however, the efficacy and effectiveness of this strategy, in addition to bread fortification, has not been investigated. New Zealand's story illustrates how government strategies and changing food patterns can impact on iodine status.

Learning Areas:

Basic medical science applied in public health
Epidemiology
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
Describe environmental factors that can contribute to iodine deficiency Evaluate implications of mild iodine deficiency on health

Keyword(s): Child Health, Public Health Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: M.Sc. in Nutritional Biochemistry and PhD in Human Nutrition from the University of Otago, New Zealand. Conducted and published observational and intervention studies related to assessment and impact of iodine status of vulnerable population groups. Research funding from university, NGO and government departments.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.