Populations in, among others, Europe lack knowledge of how iodine affects the body, the EUthyroid2 research consortium points out in a new scientific commentary. The DTU National Food Institute is part of the consortium, which is working to improve knowledge and awareness of iodine among young people around the world.
In Denmark, salt is iodised (see fact box), but there is still a need to focus on iodine intake here as well.
“This applies if you are planning to become pregnant, but it also applies if you change your diet to be more plant-based and, for example, exclude dairy products. So if you go fully plant-based, you should consider your iodine intake,” says Senior Researcher at the DTU National Food Institute, Gitte Ravn-Haren, who heads the Research Group for Risk-Benefit.
Iodine status is important during pregnancy
Together with partners from Germany and Norway, the DTU National Food Institute has developed two intervention strategies within EUthyroid2 aimed at reaching young people aged 13-17 and young women aged 18-24.
In addition, the researchers have developed teaching and information materials to be used in the participating countries, which range from Bangladesh to England. These materials are intended to raise awareness of iodine and the health consequences of iodine deficiency among, respectively, 13-17-year-olds and young women.
“The aim is to increase young people’s knowledge of iodine, because it is important -especially for young women planning a pregnancy - to consume enough iodine. A woman’s iodine status can affect the child’s biological development,” says Gitte Ravn-Haren.
New teaching materials follow a three-step approach
Developing the interventions has been a major task, because the teaching for 13-17-year-olds has to work across countries with very different educational approaches and systems.
“We have ended up with a three-step approach: conventional teaching that all 13-17-year-olds in every country will go through, and a little more flexibility in the other two modules,” says Gitte Ravn-Haren.
In parallel with the school-based effort, an intervention targeting young women aged 18-24 is being carried out in a number of countries.
“In some countries it is natural to see a doctor when you want to become pregnant, and we can reach young women that way. In other countries we have had to find different approaches,” says Gitte Ravn-Haren.
The interventions are currently underway in all participating countries, after which the results will be analysed. The project will conclude at the end of 2026.
“The ambition is that the experience gained can subsequently be used across countries, and we also hope to have the educational materials translated into Danish so they can be used in Denmark as well,” says Gitte Ravn-Haren.
EUthyroid2 is funded by the European Union’s Horizon programme and by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
