Written answers

Wednesday, 18 February 2015

Department of Health

Medicinal Products Supply

Photo of Mary Mitchell O'ConnorMary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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159. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the Irish population's iodine deficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7259/15]

Photo of Mary Mitchell O'ConnorMary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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160. To ask the Minister for Health the reason Ireland has yet to include iodine in table salt for sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7260/15]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.

Iodine is a mineral that is important for health. It assists the thyroid gland in making hormones which are important for growth, metabolism and for development of a baby's brain during pregnancy and early life. Iodine is found in a range of foods, but the richest sources are sea food and dairy products. The level of Iodine needed varies depending on age, gender and whether a woman is pregnant or lactating.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has published the results of a research (Report on Total Diet Study 2001-2005 published in September 2011). It showed that average daily intake ranged from 170 - 260 micro grammes. These intake ranges are in line with the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of 130 micro grammes for the 18 - 64 age range.

Currently UCD has been asked to do further analysis on the levels of iodine in the Irish diet and we are awaiting their results. Early indications show that most Irish people are meeting the RDA but a certain proportion may have intakes below this during the summer; the reason for which may lie in the fact that milk and milk products contain less Iodine during the summer period. Adding iodine to salt is permitted in Ireland and other European countries.

The Department of Health is currently revising the Healthy Eating Guidelines, which will be published later this year. In addition, the Department intends to start work on a National Nutrition policy later in 2015, and iodine intake will form part of this work.

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