Changing Dietary Habits in Veneto Region over Two Decades: Still a Long Road to Go to Reach an Iodine-Sufficient Status.
Background: Fifteen years after a nationwide voluntary iodine prophylaxis program was introduced, the aims of the present study were: (a) to obtain an up-to-date assessment of dietary iodine intake in the Veneto region, Italy; and (b) to assess dietary and socioeconomic factors that might influence iodine status. Methods: Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was obtained in 747 school students (median age 13 years; range: 11-16 years). Results: The median UIC was 111 μg/L, with 56% of samples ≥ 100 μg/L, but 26% were < 50 μg/L, more frequently females. Iodized salt was used by 82% of the students. The median UIC was higher among users of iodized salt than among non-users, 117.0 ug/L versus 90 ug/L (p = 0.01). The median UIC was higher in regular consumers of cow's milk than in occasional consumers, 132.0 μg/L versus 96.0 μg/L (p < 0.01). A regular intake of milk and/or the use of iodized salt sufficed to reach an adequate median UIC, although satisfying only with the combined use. A trend towards higher UIC values emerged in regular consumers of cheese and yogurt. Conclusion: Iodine status has improved (median UIC 111.0 μg/L), but it is still not adequate as 26% had a UIC < 50 μg/L in the resident population of the Veneto region. A more widespread use of iodized salt but also milk and milk product consumption may have been one of the key factors in achieving this partial improvement.
['Censi|Simona|S|0000-0001-6946-9673', 'Manso|Jacopo|J|0000-0003-2403-4339', 'Barollo|Susi|S|0000-0002-5821-2693', 'Mondin|Alberto|A|', 'Bertazza|Loris|L|', 'De Marchi|Massimo|M|', 'Mian|Caterina|C|0000-0003-2615-8001', 'On Behalf Of The Food And Nutrition Hygiene Services Sian|||']
D000293:Adolescent D002648:Child D003611:Dairy Products D004034:Diet Surveys D000072001:Diet, Healthy D005247:Feeding Behavior D005260:Female D006284:Health Plan Implementation D006801:Humans D007455:Iodine D007558:Italy D008297:Male D015596:Nutrition Assessment D018673:Nutrition Policy D009752:Nutritional Status D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary D013334:Students
iodine iodized salt milk dairy products eating habits