Acting to protect Europe's population
from a re-emerging iodine deficiency
Who We Are
Iodine Coalition Europe is a partnership dedicated to ensuring adequate iodine nutrition. Our joint goal is to tackle​ iodine deficiency in Europe. The Coalition brings together iodine nutrition experts, representatives of the salt, food, and iodine industries, research and patient organisations (EUsalt, World Iodine Association, Thyroid Federation International, Iodine Global Network, EUthyroid2, Culinaria Europe e.V., Unilever).
What We Do
We work to address, prevent, and control the ongoing and widespread problem of iodine deficiency. We aim to promote salt iodisation including the use of iodised salt in processed foods and address the obstacles hindering its full implementation. By working together, we can ensure that all Europeans have access to this essential nutrient and prevent the negative consequences and costs of iodine deficiency.
Iodine deficiency in Europe
The human body needs constant small amounts of iodine for metabolism and brain development, but normal diets in most countries do not contain enough iodine, resulting in iodine deficiency, the world's largest cause of preventable mental impairment.
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Iodine deficiency is a serious public health concern in Europe as up to half of the region's newborns are at risk of iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency can lead to various health issues, including impaired cognitive development in children, goitre, and thyroid disorders. While the health of all population groups can be affected, pregnant women and children are especially at risk.
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Insufficient iodine intake during pregnancy can lead to lasting brain damage that reduces a child's IQ, hindering children's learning ability and school performance. Even mild deficiency has implications in terms of health costs. Adding tiny amounts of iodine to salt can address the problem. Consuming iodised salt is the simplest method to ensure sufficient iodine intake.
Our focus:
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