As first reported here in mid-April and then again this week published in Lancet and reported in the general media, a new study of British teenage girls has found the majority are mildly iodine deficient and the average intake is barely half the recommended target level. Among the authors are ICCIDD leaders Peter Laurberg and John H. Lazarus.

The authors conclude:

"Our findings suggest that the UK is iodine deficient. Since developing fetuses are the most susceptible to adverse effects of iodine deficiency and even mild perturbations of maternal and fetal thyroid function have an effect on neurodevelopment, these findings are of potential major public health importance. This study has drawn attention to an urgent need for a comprehensive investigation of UK iodine status and implementation of evidence-based recommendations for iodine supplementation."