[Iodine content of mother's milk--Hungarian representative survey, 2006]

In Hungary, except for some small area, iodine content of soil, cultivated crops and potable water is low; therefore the iodine intake of Hungarian population is lower than the amount recommended by international organizations. The high iodine intake for pregnant and nursing women is important to ensure the appropriate iodine intake of fetus and nursing babies, as well.

The objective of the study was to get a comprehensive picture of iodine content of mother's milk and to make recommendation for the level of iodine supplementation for pregnant and nursing women.

Following a country-wide sampling, iodine content of 72 human milk samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

Iodine intake in 42 percent of babies is lower than the recommended amount which could remarkably influence the physical and mental development of infants.

Iodine supplementation and consumption of food with high iodine content is highly recommended during pregnancy and nursing.