Western and Central Europe

Changes in diet and lifestyle, together with less consumption of dairy and increased reliance on processed foods and plant-based diets, is creating growing concern about iodine deficiency in Europe, particularly among women of reproductive age and newborns, where up to half may be at risk of inadequate iodine intake.  IGN is working with partners in Europe to build awareness and consensus for action, based on a joint WHO/IGN report launched last year.  IGN is part of Iodine Coalition Europe, a multi-stakeholder group of academics and industry associations and representatives, which has engaged with the European Parliament and Commission on this issue.

Under the leadership of Regional Coordinator Rodrigo Moreno-Reyes, IGN is also advancing innovative surveillance mechanisms through a European-wide study using newborn blood spot samples, which is underway in hospitals across seven countries.