Fish Consumption and Iodine and Vitamin D Status

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effect of fish consumption on iodine and vitamin of Omani School Children. Methods: Omani school children aged 9 and 10 years were recruited from two schools in Muscat Governorate in Oman.  The children were randomly divided in to fish and control groups. The fish group received fish menu lunch 4 times a week. The control group did not receive fish or any other dietary supplement. Ethical approval from the Ministry of Health of Oman and parental consent were obtained. The intervention period was sixteen weeks (four months). Results: The children who received fish meal for sixteen weeks had higher levels of urinary iodine and plasma vitamin D compared with the control group (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Regular consumption fish is effective in enhancing iodine and vitamin D status of children.