Iodine nutrition among the adult population of the Faroe Islands - a population-based study

• Published in: British Journal of Nutrition
• Main Authors: Johannesen, Herborg Líggjasardóttir, Knudsen, Gunnar Sjúrðarson, Andersen, Stig, Weihe, Pál, Veyhe, Anna Sofía
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: Artic society; Faroe Islands; Health survey; Iodine status; Population-based Study; Urinary iodine excretion
• Online Access: https://vbn.aau.dk/da/publications/7db41062-308d-4a44-86b3-6e5a9000d1bf; https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114521001938; https://vbn.aau.dk/ws/files/508876587/Johannesen_et_al_2022_Iodine_nutrition_among_the_adult_population_of_the_Faroe_Islands_a_population_based_study.pdf; http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85107830847&partnerID=8YFLogxK

The WHO recommends monitoring iodine status in all populations with median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) below 100 g/l suggesting iodine deficiency. There are no data on the iodine intake among the population of the Faroe Islands. This study aimed to provide data on iodine nutrition in a representative sample of the general adult population from the Faroe Islands. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey in 2011-2012 and measured iodine in urine from 491 participants (294/197 men/women) using the ceri/arsen method after alkaline ashing. Participants include about 100 subjects in each of four adult decades and included participants from both the capital city and villages. The median UIC was low within the recommended range 101 g/l (range 21-1870 g/l). No samples were in the range suggesting severe iodine deficiency, but half of the samples were in the range of just adequate or mildly insufficient iodine intake with UIC markedly lower in women than in men (86 v. 115 g/l; P < 0·001). Intake of fish and whale meals affected the UIC. In conclusion, nearly half of the population had an iodine excretion in the range of borderline or mild iodine deficiency. The lowest iodine nutrition level among Faroese women is a concern as it may extend to pregnancy with increased demands on iodine nutrition. In addition, we found that large variations and the intermittently excessive iodine intakes warrant follow-up on thyroid function in the population of the Faroe Islands.