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The ATF's Big Breakfast – 26th October 2010
The Amphitheatre – Martin Place Sydney – 7am – 11.30am
Big Breakfast Encourages All Australian to Enjoy Iodine Enriched Foods
With the aim of making more Australians aware of the alarming reality of iodine deficiency in Australia and the important role of iodine, The Australian Thyroid Foundation will hold a Big Breakfast at the Amphitheatre in Martin Place, Sydney on Tuesday 26th October 2010.
“The FREE breakfast will be served to Sydneysiders on their way to work from 7 am – 11.30 am” Beverley Garside ATF President said. “Come and join in the fun of this event. Register as a Volunteer and give some time to help or come and learn why iodine is so important for “Good Thyroid Health.”
A scrumptious Big Breakfast will be cooked and served with food enriched with iodine for everyone to enjoy.
ATF Ambassadors including Bree Amer, The ATF Committee, Medical Advisors, Sponsors and Volunteers will all be there to talk to you about the importance of Good Thyroid Health through a daily diet enriched with iodine.
The Food Standards of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) will announce on October 9, Mandatory Fortification of Iodine in Bread Making. This standard has been put in place to help improve iodine deficiency throughout Australia.
Research shows 50% of Pregnant and Breastfeeding women in Australia are iodine deficient. (1) Without enough iodine to produce thyroid hormones, the development of the newborn, in particular the foetal brain development can be impaired, which can lead to lower intelligence and learning difficulties.
These hormones are also essential for growth and development in young children, in particular the normal development of the brain and nervous system, especially during pregnancy, and in the first 2-3 years of life.
Recent research shows children who are mildly iodine deficient and given an iodine supplement, had improved cognitive ability. (2)
The amount of additional iodine added to the food supply, as a result of mandatory fortification, is consistent with our body’s requirements for iodine.
Iodine intakes will increase by approximately 46 micrograms per day; an amount comparable to the iodine content of a large glass of milk (300ml).
A diet including Iodised Salt, Seafood, Milk, Eggs and now Bread are the best ways of ensuring iodine is part of your daily diet.
The Australian Thyroid Foundation recommends pre-pregnant, pregnant and breastfeeding women take a specially-formulated pregnancy supplement containing at least 250 mcgs of iodine daily, such as Blackmores Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Gold. Also replace the salt you use with iodised salt, to ensure you get adequate iodine in your diet. The ATF recommend Saxa Iodised Salt.
Safeguard your baby’s development and speak with your Obstetrician or GP about the benefits of iodine supplementation or contact The ATF for more information.
The ATF encourage all Australians to hold a Big Breakfast with iodine enriched foods and support The ATF message. Companies, groups of friends and families can organise a Big Breakfast with everyone donating a Gold Coin, with all donations sent to the ATF to support our awareness program.
Big Breakfast Donations Can Be Sent to The ATF, Suite 2, 8 Melville Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
All Donations Over $2.00 are Tax Deductible
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Download Big Breakfast Media Information:
Media Alert (WORD)
Big Breakfast Invitation (PDF)
Download Research Paper:
Thyroid Disorders and Pregnancy Part 1 (PDF)
Download Research Paper:
Iodine supplementation improves cognition in mildly iodine-deficient children (PDF)
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BIG BREAKFAST SPONSORS:
Cerebos
Manufacturers of Saxa Iodised Salt
Blackmores
Makers of Blackmores Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Gold – A pregnancy and breastfeeding supplement including 250 mcgs of iodine.
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Ominous warning
An ominous warning also came from a recent forum held by the National Academy of Science, ILSI Australia and the Nutrition Society of Australia in Canberra. They concluded that a resurgence of iodine deficiency among mothers and children in Australia was a “cause for concern” and “steps must be taken to avoid a serious situation developing”.
Officially, Australia is now an iodine-deficient country based on studies of urinary excretion. The seriousness of the issue was reflected by the recent release of a proposal to extend the New Zealand-only standard mandating the replacement of salt with iodised salt in bread to include Australia.
Universal salt iodisation (USI) is an international key strategy to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders.
Some relevant comments from recognised medical experts on thyroid cancer included:
- Even mild iodine deficiency causes a reduction in average IQ and fewer gifted individuals.
- NSW and Victoria studies confirmed that iodine deficiency is prevalent in more than 50% of pregnant women in these states.
- Where USI has not been implemented, WHO recommends iodine
supplements for vulnerable groups. - Recent studies on the iodine status of mainland Australian school children showed that about 50% are classified as mildly or moderate iodine deficient. Among that 14% of children in NSW, 19% in Victoria (and 20% in Tasmania are classed as moderately iodine deficient, according to 2001 data.