We are pleased that spot-urine samples are now being collected as part of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) for the measurement of urinary iodine concentration (UIC). The results have been grouped into children (4-18 years), adults (19 years and over) and women of childbearing age (16-49 years). The median UIC for each age group is above the cut-off that indicates iodine adequacy (100 mcg/L).
However, the age range for children is very wide – 4 to 18 years and this may mask deficiency in some vulnerable groups. There is existing evidence has shown iodine sufficiency in 8-10 year old children, but deficiency in 14-15 year old girls.
NDNS does not include pregnant women and therefore cannot give any information on the risk of deficiency in this vulnerable age group.