Location: Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory
Project Number: 8040-10700-004-017-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Jun 1, 2022
End Date: Sep 30, 2026
Objective:
Analyze iodine in U.S. foods. Iodine is an essential nutrient in the health of the US population, especially women of reproductive age and consequently, to growing fetuses, particularly for growth and cognitive development. Iodine in foods is highly related to agricultural and fishing practices, processing of commercial foods, and fortification policies of plant (crop) and animal-based foods. Iodine in prenatal vitamins is variable and, in some cases, not true to the label. Therefore, detailed analysis of foods and dietary supplements is crucial in providing guidance before and during pregnancy.
In addition, purines (gout and CVD), nitrate and nitrites (cardiovascular benefits and cancer risk), and glucosinolates in targeted cruciferous vegetables (cancer preventative properties) are researched and Special Interest Databases developed.
Approach:
Foods likely to contain measurable amounts of iodine will continue to be selected for the expansion of the Iodine Database; selection will be based on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2013-19 Total Diet Study (TDS) and USDA's What We Eat in America Reports. Analyses will include appropriate quality control materials and the most qualified academic, government or commercial labs. Foods for analysis include: dairy foods, seafood/products (especially finfish), seaweed/seaweed extracts, other iodine-containing commercial ingredients/additives, highly consumed commercially processed mixed dishes (especially those containing dairy and/or egg products), other foods determined to have significant amounts of iodine and foods which replace other major contributors of iodine (e.g., alternative plant-based milks). It should be noted that, using current data, four dairy and egg products contribute to two thirds of the national intake of iodine. Variability information is vital to research. These data and data on dietary supplements (primarily MVM and prenatal supplements) are being mapped to NHANES dietary intake data for 2013-present. It is especially important for assessing intake to urinary iodine excretion. From these analyses, iodine intake can be correlated with health outcomes. An ancillary project will be to collect data on iodine uptake inhibitors e.g., perchlorates and thiocyanates.
In addition, sampling and analysis on foods and dietary supplements which contain purines, Nitrates and Nitrites, and glucosinolates will be studied, sampled and analyzed for development of Special Interest Databases.
