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Iodine intake in the youngest: impact of commercial complementary food

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 63, pages 1368–1370 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Iodine is a nutrient contributing to the development of the central nervous system. To assure a sufficient iodine intake, iodine fortification of complementary food (CF) is recommended. We describe the current fortification practice of commercial CF and formula in Germany as an example for other European countries, based on a market survey conducted in autumn 2008. In addition, we estimated the iodine intake of an 8-month-old infant, fed one portion of milk and three complementary meals per day. All formulae were fortified with iodine, and half of CF products. Iodine concentration varied depending on product groups. A partially breast-fed infant getting homemade CF reached less than 50% of the recommended iodine intake. Using infant formula and commercial CF, the recommended intake was exceeded by 39 or 100%, depending on which products were chosen. A well-balanced fortification of commercial CF, including pure infant cereals, would be required to ensure an adequate iodine supply.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Institute of Child Nutrition Dortmund, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University Bonn, Dortmund, Germany

    U Alexy, C Drossard, M Kersting & T Remer

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  1. U Alexy
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  2. C Drossard
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  3. M Kersting
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  4. T Remer
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Correspondence to U Alexy.

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Contributors: UA and TR conceptualize the study and were responsible for data interpretation and preparation of the manuscript; MK participated in data interpretation and manuscript preparation, CD was responsible for data collection.

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Alexy, U., Drossard, C., Kersting, M. et al. Iodine intake in the youngest: impact of commercial complementary food. Eur J Clin Nutr 63, 1368–1370 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2009.62

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2009.62

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