Iodine Intake in the European elderly

Elderly subjects have an increased risk of both hyper- and hypothyroidism depending on the level of iodine intake, and iodine intervention programs may primarily affect the elderly with long-standing thyroid nodules. In Denmark, 4 years of fortification have resulted in an approximately optimal iodine intake, apparently without adverse effects, in elderly people.

Information about iodine intake in elderly Europeans is limited, especially from eastern Europe, and in subjects aged more than 80 years. Iodine intake from supplements should be taken into account. Special attention should be on elderly subjects with a low energy intake and thereby a low iodine intake.

The impression from the available studies is that elderly Europeans, in general, have the same level of iodine intake as the rest of the population. Because of age-related decreased energy and nutrient intake, elderly subjects with low energy intake have an increased risk of insufficient iodine intake compared to the rest of the adult population.

The iodine intake from supplements should be taken into account when the level of iodine intake is estimated..