Study shows room for improvement

A study of 147 primary school children from Dunedin and Wellington shows enhanced levels of iodine, but room for improvement.

Worldwide, iodine deficiency is the leading preventable cause of physical stunting and mental impairment.

University of Otago academic Dr Sheila Skeaff's study shows the mandatory use of iodised salt in bread since 2009 has helped.

But the study shows a protein produced by the thyroid gland is still in a range indicating mild iodine deficiency in the children.

Dr Skeaff says parents should always use iodised salt.

Dairy products, eggs, fish and other seafood are also good sources of iodine.

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