Question:

I've heard about kids being short on iodine, but am confused as to what to do to boost intakes in my family?

Cherie, Townsville

Answer:

That's great you've heard the new concerns about iodine intakes in Australian kids. A recent Newspoll survey has shown that almost 1 in 3 Australian parents of children aged 17 years or younger have never heard about iodine or its nutritional health benefits for children. For those parents who have heard about iodine in relation to diet and nutrition, 58 per cent correctly identified its primary role in aiding children's mental and physical development. While this is somewhat reassuring, the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) believes the lack of awareness amongst parents is a significant problem.

Recent studies have confirmed children in mainland Australia are borderline iodine deficient. Iodine deficiency is the single most common cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage in the world. Fifty per cent of children and pregnant or breastfeeding women living in Australia have been shown to be iodine deficient.

A person may have low iodine levels without showing symptoms. The most reliable way to check your iodine intake is to ask your doctor to order a urine test. Your doctor may also use a blood test to ensure that your thyroid hormone levels are normal, as iodine is required in their production within the body.

Iodine is widespread in the environment but it is chiefly derived from the soil and ocean. The most potent source in the diet is marine fish and seafood, along with kelp and seaweed like that used in nori rolls for sushi. So encourage your kids to enjoy canned and marine fish and sushi. Dairy foods used to also be a significant source of iodine however changes to the sanitation practices in the dairy industry have removed much of the iodine. Eggs are also a good source. There is also iodised table salt available, however the majority of the population should be looking to reduce their salt intake for good health. Also keep a look out for new foods with added iodine as the food industry responds to calls for increased fortification of our food supply.