IGN Annual Report: Europe is an iodine deficient continent

The latest report from the Iodine Global Network shines a light on the severity of Europe’s iodine crisis

IGN – the Iodine Global Network – has released its Annual Report 2020, in which they assess the severity of iodine deficiency and the need for iodine solutions around the world. In the report, within which IGN cements itself as the leaders in “the global fight to eliminate brain damage due to iodine deficiency”[1], the Network outlines the severity of the iodine crisis across Europe.

This isn’t the first time iodine deficiency in Europe has been highlighted. Last month, we wrote that the risk of iodine deficiency in Europe has never been greater, with more than half of adults across the continent suffering from dangerously low levels of iodine. In fact, the IGN themselves estimated that as many as 50% of infants across Europe were at risk of being iodine deficient.[2]

This has made the need for iodine-rich foods and drinks more prevalent than ever, and as the risks of iodine deficiency become more widely reported, consumers are likely to seek out iodine food sources more actively.

Iodine deficiency is a serious concern

Within Europe, the UK has some of the most concerning rates of iodine deficiency. In fact, research shows that the UK is one of just two high income countries suffering from iodine deficiency, despite how important iodine is for thyroid health, which in turn contributes to heart health, metabolism, good digestion and more.[3]

According to the IGN, iodine deficiency is the world’s leading cause of preventable mental impairment. Insufficient iodine intake during pregnancy can reduce a child’s IQ by eight to ten points[4], and up to 13.5 points in areas of severe deficiency.[5]

These kinds of figures show just how important iodine is for our overall health, despite the issue often flying under the radar. Research has also shown that iodine deficiency in pregnancy can lead to cognitive disorders, premature birth, and even miscarriage.[6]

Europe faces an iodine crisis

Dr Rodrigo Moreno-Reyes of the IGN shared their thoughts on Europe’s iodine crisis, saying: “If we look at the recent surveys, we see that all countries have iodine sufficiency in terms of children. But it’s different if you look at the adult population. 54% of countries reported low iodine among the adult population and 64% reported deficiency among pregnant women.” This increases the risk of iodine deficiency both for pregnant women and for infants.[7]

And this concern is echoed in the EUthyroid’s Consortium’s Krakow Declaration on Iodine 2018, which paints a distressing picture regarding iodine deficiency in Europe. The declaration states:

“With very few exceptions such as Iceland, Europe is an iodine-deficient continent. Adults living in iodine-deficient regions carry a high risk of goiter, thyroid nodules and hyperthyroidism.”

It continues: “Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and breast-feeding is widespread in Europe and adversely affects the development of the child. Even mild or moderate iodine deficiency of the mother affects the synthesis of thyroid hormones and may impair brain development, neurocognitive function and reduces offspring IQ.”[8]

Seaweed is the only viable plant-based source of iodine

Europe’s iodine crisis isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, the risk is only increasing as more and more people make the move to a plant-based diet. For the majority of the population, dairy and seafood represent the primary sources of iodine in their diet, but with more than 500,000 in the UK alone joining 2021’s Veganuary campaign,[9] increasing numbers of people are foregoing these food groups for health or environmental reasons.

Seaweed is the only viable plant-based source of iodine, and PureSea® is made from organic, wild harvested seaweed from the pristine waters of the Scottish Outer Hebrides. With its naturally high level of nutrients – including iodine – and fully traceable production, it can be easily added into a wide range of nutrition products to help ensure consumers are achieving their recommended daily intake of iodine.