Abstract
Iodine is an essential constituent of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones regulate brain development, growth and metabolism of the human body.
Inadequately low iodine intake and decreased thyroid hormone synthesis can lead to iodine deficiency disorders. The severity of disorders depends not only on the degree of iodine deficiency, but also on the stage of the human development.
Many areas of the world, including the Czech Republic, have been affected by natural iodine deficiency and the incidence of iodine deficiency disorders has been historically high. Fortification of food-grade salt was an effective step towards reduction of iodine deficiency impact.
Although the Czech Republic has been considered to be an iodine sufficient area since 2004, iodine deficiency is still a threat to subgroups of population with an increased demand for iodine, such as pregnant women and newborns.