Scientific update on the iodine content of Portuguese foods (2018)

Iodine is an essential trace element in human and animal diets. However, mild to moderate iodine deficiency has been reported in several countries. Food is the natural source of iodine. Detectable analytical values, expressed in SI units (μg/kg), are required to guarantee reliable measurement results used to estimate iodine intake over time at national and international level. The aim of this work, conducted as an activity of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Nutrition and Childhood Obesity, was to develop a database of the iodine content of foods in order to predict nutritional adequacy of dietary intake. This database may be used as a tool to promote iodine intake through consumption of foods rich in iodine.