| dc.description.abstract | BACKGROUND: Iodine is a trace mineral of vital importance for brain development and
function. Vegetarians generally avoid or limit their consumption of animal foods. Salt iodization
in Norway is exceptionally low, and approximately 80% of dietary iodine derives from animal
foods, with milk, seafood and eggs as the main sources. The iodine status in Norwegian
vegetarians is unknown.
OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to evaluate iodine intake and status of a group of
Norwegian vegetarians.
METHOD: Two day food diaries and morning spot urine samples for analysis of iodine
concentration (UIC) were obtained from 52 vegetarians (including 18 vegans and 34 ovo-lactopesco-(
OLP-) vegetarians) and 67 non-vegetarians (control group). Use of iodine containing
supplements was reported, and evaluated in addition to the contribution of iodine from food.
RESULTS: None of the vegans and 24% of OLP-vegetarians reached the recommended iodine
intake of 150 μg/day with diet as the only source of iodine.
Use of iodine-containing supplements was reported by 18% and 28% of OLP-vegetarians and
vegans, respectively. When including iodine from supplements, 17% of vegans and 38% of OLPvegetarians
reached the recommended intake of 150 μg/day. According to WHOs criteria for
evaluating iodine status based on spot urine samples only 12% of vegans and 21% of OLPvegetarians
had adequate iodine intake.
In the total vegetarian group, the median urinary iodine concentration was 52 μg/L in noniodine-
supplement and 102 μg/L in supplement users. High UIC (>700 μg/L) was found in three
vegetarians using kelp supplements. Total iodine intake (food and supplements) did not differ
between vegetarians and controls. CONCLUSION: This study showed that suboptimal iodine intake was prevalent in vegans,
OLP-vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Although the participants are not representative groups of
all vegetarians in the Norwegian population, the results highlight the need to focus on iodine
nutrition in subgroups of the population | en_US |
