1. A Survey of the UK Iodine Status

2. The Thyroid Gland

3. Thyroid Hormones

4. Iodine An important element in the manufacture of thyroid hormones Most iodine is present in sea water which evaporates and returns to the soil in rain Low iodine levels are common in mountainous regions far away from the sea The major source is bread and milk

5. What happens if a country has low iodine levels? Thyroid swelling (called a “Goitre”) common when iodine intake low Babies born with thyroid failure if very low If iodine levels mildly low, there may be a risk that babies might be born with lower intelligence Adding iodine to salt reduces the risk

9. Worldwide Iodine Nutrition (World Health Organisation 2004)

11. Survey in the UK Dundee Sheffield

12. Thank You For Listening!