The Department of Health today released the Iodine Survey Report, the first city-wide survey to assess the iodine statuses of the three target vulnerable groups in Hong Kong covering school-aged children, pregnant and lactating women.

The department commissioned Chinese University to conduct the iodine survey in 2019, with a total of 1,023 school-aged children, 1,513 pregnant and 482 lactating women recruited from different areas in the city.

Face-to-face questionnaire interviews and spot urine iodine tests were conducted for the participants, while thyroid ultrasonography was also performed for school-aged children.

The median urinary iodine concentration and total goitre rate, which reflect the iodine status in each of the subgroups, were assessed.

Based on the survey result, the iodine statuses of school-aged children and pregnant women taking iodine supplements at an average daily intake of equal to or above 150mg per day are both classified as adequate.

For pregnant women taking iodine supplements at an average daily intake of less than 150mg per day and those without supplemented iodine, as well as lactating women, their iodine statuses are classified as insufficient.

The department noted that children, pregnant and lactating women are particularly vulnerable to iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), and therefore adequate iodine intake should be ensured.

A working group on the prevention of IDD was set up by the department and the Centre for Food Safety, joined by representatives from the Hospital Authority and several colleges.

On the July 6 meeting, the working group reviewed the latest scientific evidence, including the key findings of the survey, and made recommendations to strengthen the health education on iodine intake for pregnant and lactating women.

In addition, it considered that a mandatory salt iodisation programme is not warranted in Hong Kong based on the findings of sufficient iodine intake among school-aged children.