Iodine is of great importance for healthy metabolism and brain development. During pregnancy insufficient iodine status can lead to lack of development and reduce the child’s IQ. Even mild to moderate iodine deficiency at school age can reduce IQ by 3-5 points. Importantly, it can easily be prevented through diet and iodine fortification programmes, most commonly by iodization of salt for human consumption.
A new project ‘Euthyroid2’ aims to find best practice models for improving low awareness with respect to iodine-deficiency related health risks. Young people, especially young women, are target populations. The DTU National Food Institute is part of the EUthyroid2 consortium consisting of 15 partners who will jointly carry out interventions in educational institutions and clinical contexts where young women meet the healthcare system. The consortium has been awarded a 4-year EU Horizon Europe 2.5 million euro grant.
The DTU National Food Institute will be responsible for developing an educational intervention in Cyprus, Northern Ireland, England, Slovenia, Bangladesh and Pakistan that can raise awareness about iodine and the health consequences of iodine deficiency. The aim is to subsequently use the experiences across several countries.
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EUthyroid2 is a follow-up to EUthyroid.
Read more about EUthyroid
UK participants in Horizon Europe Project EUthyroid2 are supported by
UK Research and Innovation.
