A model to secure a stable iodine concentration in milk

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Animal Nutrition
• Public Health

Background:

• Dairy products are a primary source of iodine in Norway, contributing ~60% to intake.
• Milk's iodine content fluctuates due to feed composition (iodine, rapeseed) and season.
• Variability in milk iodine poses risks of deficiency or excess for consumers.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop predictive models for milk iodine concentration based on feed components.
• Assess the impact of varying milk iodine levels on Norwegian population's iodine status.

Main Methods:

• Constructed two predictive models using data from 10 studies (published and unpublished).
• Models incorporated feed iodine and either glucosinolate or rapeseed meal concentrations.
• Simulated iodine contribution from dairy products using Norwegian dietary survey data.

Main Results:

• Developed models accurately predict milk iodine concentration with good explanatory power.
• Current milk iodine levels (200 µg/kg) meet significant portions of daily requirements for various demographics.
• Calculated coverage: 68% (men), 49% (women), 108% (2-year-olds), 56% (pregnant women).

Conclusions:

• Stabilizing milk iodine through feed management is crucial for public health.
• Prevents iodine excess in young children and iodine deficiency in women.
• Ensures consistent and adequate iodine nutrition across the Norwegian population.