Iodine

Tasmanian Iodine Supplementation Program

Background Information

Iodine is an essential nutrient for normal body function and the thyroid gland which is essential for normal growth and development. A lack of iodine in the diet can result in an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) and other iodine deficiency disorders.

Even mild to moderate iodine deficiency can affect growth and development in unborn babies, infants and young children.

Tasmania has had a long history of iodine deficiency because of the nature of the State's soil. In the 1950 and 1960's iodine tablets were provided for school children and later iodine was added to bread. In recent times, iodine-based cleaning agents used in the dairy industry are thought to have provided some protection against iodine deficiency, as small quantities have remained present in the milk supply.

The Department, through the Public and Environmental Health Service, investigated a number of interim strategies to increase iodine uptake within the Tasmanian population. After consideration of a range of other population health options to increase iodine supplementation, it was decided that bread baked with iodised salt was the most appropriate vehicle to supplement the population.

For more information please access the following link

Iodine in Tasmania