Overall, children in mainland Australia are borderline iodine deficient, the Australian National Iodine Nutrition Study has found.

Involving 1709 students from 88 schools, the study is the largest of its kind carried out in Australia.

Close to half the participants, the majority of whom hailed from south-eastern Australia showed 'mild to moderate' iodine deficiency.

The researchers speculated that the reasons for greater iodine levels in Queensland and Western Australia could be due to a higher proportion of the population in these states using iodised salt, as well as variations in the regional milk iodine content and higher drinking water iodine levels.

The wide-ranging study's results varied from state to state. Overall, mild deficiencies were reported in NSW and Victoria; borderline deficiencies in South Australia; and sufficient levels found in Queensland and Western Australia. Tasmania was not surveyed.

The Australian Centre for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders has performed sporadic surveys of urinary iodine excretion over the past two decades. During this time, average levels have substantially dropped. Pregnant women displayed some of the lowest levels, prompting researchers' concerns that the next generation of children are at risk of the neuropsychological consequences of iodine deficiency.

Iodine is important for baby's brain development, visual motor skills and hearing, and is an essential nutrient required for normal thyroid function, growth and development.

While the study recommended the urgent implementation of mandatory iodisation of salt, supplementation also presents an effective method for boosting iodine levels in schoolchildren.

Blackmores' Kids Chewable Multi is the only children's multi available on the Australian market providing 100% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of iodine for children aged 4-7, and 75% of the RDI for children 8-11.

Women also need iodine while planning conception, when pregnant and when breastfeeding, as it is essential for a baby's normal mental development. Blackmores' Pregnancy and Breastfeeding formula provides the recommended daily intake of iodine necessary for a baby's optimum health.

Blackmores has qualified health experts on hand to answer your health questions at www.blackmores.com.au or you can call Blackmores' Naturopaths on 1800 803 760.