“Thyroid function. If you don’t have enough iodine you end up getting goitre.” Hobart, Aged 36+ Among participants other than those who are older (aged 36 years or older) or residing in and , awareness of iodine as a substance to be consumed and its effect on thyroid functioning was generally low. These participants were still aware of iodine, but primarily as a disinfectant or wound treatment. “I don’t know any benefits. I just remember at school the brown stuff … a disinfectant?” - Balclutha, Aged 18+ “When I think of iodine I think of something like Betadine or something for wounds. Maybe it helps in blood clotting…” - , Interview In general, awareness of the natural sources of iodine was low, with only a small number mentioning fish or seafood as potential sources. By far the most well-known food source of iodine among participants was iodised salt. Following the discussion of the benefits of iodised salt some participants mentioned that they will continue to purchase the fortified product, rather than other types of salt. However, no participant mentioned switching from purchasing non-iodised to iodised salt. Iodine in pregnancy Awareness of the need to consume additional iodine during pregnancy was not nearly as strong as awareness of the need to consume folate (see heading 4.4.1). While some participants did mention having noticed iodine as a constituent of the pregnancy-specific multivitamin, they did not mention having received information from their doctor in relation to the benefits of consuming additional iodine during pregnancy. Iodine sensitivity One participant in this research had a family member with a relatively severe sensitivity to iodine when applied topically. This participant was not aware of iodine as a mineral in foods (or as a mineral included in iodised salt) and was quite surprised to find out that iodine does play a role in supporting thyroid function. Due to the sensitivity she had witnessed in her family member, this participant was concerned to find out that iodine may be included in foods. “I’m a bit worried about that now, knowing that iodine is in food. As I know what it does to my husbands outside, what does it do to his inside? I might get more information on that.” - , Interview
“Thyroid function. If you don’t have enough iodine you end up getting goitre.” Hobart, Aged 36+ Among participants other than those who are older (aged 36 years or older) or residing in and , awareness of iodine as a substance to be consumed and its effect on thyroid functioning was generally low. These participants were still aware of iodine, but primarily as a disinfectant or wound treatment. “I don’t know any benefits. I just remember at school the brown stuff … a disinfectant?” - Balclutha, Aged 18+ “When I think of iodine I think of something like Betadine or something for wounds. Maybe it helps in blood clotting…” - , Interview In general, awareness of the natural sources of iodine was low, with only a small number mentioning fish or seafood as potential sources. By far the most well-known food source of iodine among participants was iodised salt. Following the discussion of the benefits of iodised salt some participants mentioned that they will continue to purchase the fortified product, rather than other types of salt. However, no participant mentioned switching from purchasing non-iodised to iodised salt. Iodine in pregnancy Awareness of the need to consume additional iodine during pregnancy was not nearly as strong as awareness of the need to consume folate (see heading 4.4.1). While some participants did mention having noticed iodine as a constituent of the pregnancy-specific multivitamin, they did not mention having received information from their doctor in relation to the benefits of consuming additional iodine during pregnancy. Iodine sensitivity One participant in this research had a family member with a relatively severe sensitivity to iodine when applied topically. This participant was not aware of iodine as a mineral in foods (or as a mineral included in iodised salt) and was quite surprised to find out that iodine does play a role in supporting thyroid function. Due to the sensitivity she had witnessed in her family member, this participant was concerned to find out that iodine may be included in foods. “I’m a bit worried about that now, knowing that iodine is in food. As I know what it does to my husbands outside, what does it do to his inside? I might get more information on that.” - , Interview
Fortification%20report%20-%20qualitative.docx