Iodine-containing food supplements available on the Czech market

Iodine deficiency can cause several serious disorders, which are referred to as iodine deficiency disorders. Consequences of iodine deficiency can be prevented, for example by increased dietary intake of iodine. In the diet, iodine is found mainly in sea fish, seafood and seaweed (kelp, kombu, nori, wakame), eggs and dairy products, but also in mineral waters. An important source of iodine is also table salt, which has been fortified in the Czech Republic, resp. Czechoslovakia since 1947; currently valid concentration 27±7 mg/kg dates from 1997. Iodine deficiency can be prevented or solved with the help of increasingly popular food supplements. To describe the range of supplements available on the Czech market, online investigation of retailers was carried out in the period from February to the end of March 2021. Approximately 91 different food supplements were found to have listed, which have iodine in their composition. These accessories are available in various forms. The price for the recommended daily dose ranges from 1 to about 30 CZK, exceptionally raises even to 60 CZK. Supplements were divided into 8 groups according to different specifications and suitability for use for certain groups in the population. The spectrum of available food supplements is rich and in their choice care should be taken in consulting doctor or pharmacist, as the content of the supplement may exceed a safe dose for long-term use.