Iodine is an essential trace element and necessary for the normal development and maintenance of life. Iodine deficiency disorders are still among the main deficiency disorders world-wide and including Germany. The mean iodine intake is about 115 mu g per day, i. e. about two-third of the general recommendation. More than one third of the German population is suffering from iodine deficiency disorders. The high-risk population groups for iodine deficiency disorders are pregnant women, new-horns and children. There is no risk of iodine induced thyroid diseases, if iodised salt is used or iodine containing products like seafish or industrial meals prepared with iodised sal tare consumed. People with a normal thyroid are completely safe and do not develop thyroid dysfunction, even if high pharmacological doses of iodine are administered, e. g. with x-ray contrast solutions or drugs such as amiodarone. However, patients with thyroid nodules or immogenic thyrotoxicosis (Gravee's disease) should avoid such high doses of iodine. Such amounts of iodine are not in usual food even if the food was prepared with iodised salt. There is no health risk if iodised salt is used in German private households and there is no argument for a poor iodine diet even in patients with thyroid diseases. In Germany the dairy additional iodine intake with iodised salt is about 6 mu g per day and, therefore, without any risk. Iodine deficiency disorders could have been prevented if there had been a general iodine prophylaxis in Germany.
