%0 Journal Article %T Iodine and Selenium Intake in a Sample of Women of Childbearing Age in Palmerston North, New Zealand after Mandatory Fortification of Bread with Iodised Salt %A Nurul Husna Shukri %A Jane Coad %A Janet Weber %A Ying Jin %A Louise Brough %J Food and Nutrition Sciences %P 382-389 %@ 2157-9458 %D 2014 %I Scientific Research Publishing %R 10.4236/fns.2014.54046 %X

Iodine deficiency is a worldwide public health problem, which has long been observed in many parts of the world, including New Zealand (NZ). The aim of this study was to assess iodine and selenium intake among women of childbearing age in Palmerston North, New Zealand post mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt. Fifty women of childbearing age completed a researcher-led questionnaire, including a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Iodine and selenium were analysed in 24-hour urine samples. The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 65 ¦Ìg/l with 30% below 50 ¦Ìg/l; representing mild iodine deficiency according to the World Health Organization. The estimated median daily iodine intake (130 ¦Ìg/day) was higher than the Estimated Average Requirement (100 ¦Ìg/day) and higher than seen in women prior to fortification. The median excretion of selenium (32 ¦Ìg/day) was slightly above level suggested as adequate (30 ¦Ìg/day) and estimated median intake (57 ¦Ìg/day) was higher than Estimated Average Requirement (50 ¦Ìg/day). Selenium and iodine excretion were significantly correlated (Spearman¡¯s rank order; r(50) = 0.547, p < 0.001). The major contributors to iodine intake were milk (36%), bread (25%) and fish/seafood (15%). Participants had a mean intake of 2.5 slices of bread/day, which contributed approximately 14 to 20 ¦Ìg of iodine. The majority of participants (74%) had iodised salt at home, but less than half (48%) used iodised salt exclusively. In conclusion, despite the mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt in NZ, UIC of the study population indicates iodine deficiency although their estimated dietary intakes appear adequate. It is essential that government initiatives to improve iodine status are evaluated for their efficacy.

%K Iodine %K Selenium %K Iodine Intake %K Iodine Fortification %K Iodised Salt %U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=42738