Act now to end iodine deficiency in UK women and protect children’s IQ

Background

We want the Government to introduce a national iodine strategy, including iodised salt or bread fortification, mandatory iodine in plant-based milks, national guidance for iodine supplements in pregnancy, and regular monitoring through the National Diet and Nutrition Survey.

Additional details

The latest national data show UK women of reproductive age have very low iodine levels (median 82 µg/L; 30 % severely deficient), below countries such as Ghana, Timor-Leste and Mozambique. Iodine is essential for healthy brain development in babies, and deficiency reduces child IQ and learning potential. Most nations now fortify salt or staple foods; the UK funds these programmes overseas but has none at home. This is a simple, low-cost fix with lifelong benefits. We need a policy and action now

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