Factors that Influence the Iodine Content of Milk and Meat: a Review

Abstract

Recently reported values for the iodine content of milk are higher than those reported prior to 1970. Several reports indicate that milk iodine content from some farms would supply more iodine than recommended for adults by the National Research Council if an individual was to consume a liter or even a half liter of milk. Published meat iodine values are few in number but are relatively low as compared with milk values. Supplementary feed iodine increases milk iodine and is apparently the cause of many of the high milk iodine values. Iodine teat dips and sanitizers also contribute to increased milk iodine values, but do not cause large increases unless they are not used properly. The effect of supplementary iodine on meat iodine content is not clearly established, however, serum iodine content and radioiodine studies would indicate that lactating animals would have a higher iodine content of milk than for muscle tissue. Copyright © 1979. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1979 by American Society of Animal Science.