04 July 2012
New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has reported that the mandatory fortification of iodized salt in bread has significantly reduced the number of iodine deficient children.
In the study, a sample of 530 breads was collected over three weeks from four New Zealand regions and categorized into eight bread groups – white, fiber white, whole meal, multigrain, rye, fruited, organic and crumpets. The sodium and iodine content of each group was then measured. The dietary intake of iodine in children aged 5-14 was also estimated. The study results showed that the percentage of children estimated to have inadequate iodine intakes has dropped from 30 to 4% due to iodine fortification. Only 1% of children consumed excessive levels of iodine. Across New Zealand’s food industry, bread was identified to be the highest iodine contributor, followed by milk and dairy products, grains and pasta, then meats and eggs.
The researchers concluded that the children’s intake of iodine has significantly improved since a mandatory bread fortification policy was introduced across New Zealand and Australia in 2009. The results indicate that the ministry has achieved its goal of ensuring that more than 70% of school-aged children reach the recom-mended iodine intake. Since the policy was introduced, bakers across both countries have been using iodized salt in all but organic and unleavened breads. The aim of the policy was to improve the mild to moderate iodine deficiency levels that had been identified in the population.
Researchers of a recent European study have called for a common European Union policy on use of iodized salt in the food industry, after finding that 44% of Europeans are deficient in the vitamin (1). The World Health Organization said iodine deficiency is the world’s single greatest cause of preventable brain damage and mental impairment.
15 October 2009
Results from intervention trials suggest that there is no evidence to support the use of homocysteine-lowering B vitamins to prevent cardiovascular events, according to a new review.
9 November 2009
Low blood levels of vitamin D have again been linked to lower survival in the elderly, a new study reports.
5 March 2015
Dietary guidelines encourage people to eat a healthful diet – one that focuses on foods and beverages that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight, promote health, and prevent disease. Although the majority of Americans are not meeting the requirements for a number of essential nutrients, the focus of the US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on a healthy diet is causing a significant problem, scientists say. The committee is overlooking this problem because they are preaching this ideal of a healthy diet.
