Analysis of food supplements containing iodine: a survey of Italian market.
Iodine is an essential nutrient for humans as a critical constituent of thyroid hormones; both iodine deficiency and excess have adverse consequences for the thyroid gland. The aims of this research were to compare claimed concentrations of iodine with measured ones in various iodine-supplemented products, estimate the amount of iodine ingested by Italian consumers who use these products, and compare the calculated intakes to the Recommended Daily Allowance and tolerable Upper Level. A convenience sample of 43 food supplements was analyzed for iodine concentration. Analytical values resembled those declared in the label in fewer than half of the examples; in four cases, the maximal daily dose was higher than the tolerable upper level for iodine of 600 microg/day. Labeling of iodine-rich food supplements appears to be unreliable and caution should be exercised in the consumption of food supplements rich in iodine as there is a risk of exceeding the established safe upper level of daily intake.
Restani
Patrizia
P
University of Milan, Milan, Italy. patrizia.restani@unimi.it
Persico
Andrea
A
Ballabio
Cinzia
C
Moro
Enzo
E
Fuggetta
Dalia
D
Colombo
Maria Laura
ML
D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D004034:Diet Surveys; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007455:Iodine / Q000032:analysis*; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D011247:Pregnancy; D014675:Vegetables
D007455:Iodine