Iodine

Iodine is an essential micronutrient obtained from the water we drink and the food we eat. It is essential for the production of thyroid hormones.

Iodine deficiency

Iodine deficiency can readily be prevented by provision of fortified food stuff, but nevertheless up to 50% of newborns in Europe are exposed to iodine deficiency with negative health outcomes.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women have a sharply increased need for iodine, which is frequently not covered, putting their children at risk of impaired neurocognitive function and reduced IQ.

The Krakow Declaration

The Krakow Declaration on Iodine points out the responsibilities for the different tasks for optimal IDD prevention.

About

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) represent a global health threat to individuals and societies. The adverse effects of iodine deficiency are diverse and impose a significant burden on public healthcare systems. Although this fact is well established, IDD prevention programs receive surprisingly little attention from policy makers, opinion leaders and the public. European researchers investigating IDDs under the umbrella of the Horizon2020 research and innovation action EUthyroid (Project ID: 634453) are increasingly concerned about the deteriorating commitment of policymakers to address iodine deficiency in Europe.

They have therefore initiated in a multi-stakeholder approach the Krakow Declaration on Iodine to call on policymakers, public health officials and scientists to join forces to ensure that existing strategies to prevent IDD are implemented across Europe.