Scientific and Production Association Medbiopharm (SPA Medbiopharm)

Iodine is one of the essential microelements involving in synthesis of thyroid hormones which are vital for a human life. Environmental iodine deficiency and deficient iodine supply for a body cause various thyroid abnormalities, fatigue, abnormalities of pregnancy, functional disorders. Iodine deficiency in children and adolescents cause mental and physical retardation.

Iodine metabolism is regulated biochemically, that is why addition of inorganic iodine-containing substances (potassium iodided, potassium iodate) to salt and food cannot allow one to reduce impact of iodine deficiency on a health status.

Normally, 70-90% of vital iodine arrives at a body with milk in a form of iodinated casein, milk protein. Iodine is linked to aminoacids of casein (tyrosine, histidine) with firm bond. Iodine is split out in liver under exposure to deiodinase. The activity of the enzyme depends on the level of iodine deficiency and functional status of the thyroid. Excess of iodinated aminoacids are eliminated from a body in a form of glucouronidase. So, human body itself regulates the content of entering iodinated protein.

New substance Iodcasein has been worked out at SPA Medbiopharm. The additive is analogue of natural iodinated milk protein, lodcasein is shown to be save and to be involved in natural physiological processes. Because iodcasein is stable substances it does not change taste and odour of final products, lodcasein can be safely used by the population regardless the age. Iodine in iodcasein is firmly linked to aminoacids. The amount of bound iodine is controlled. It allows one to use iodcasein as food additive and supply vitamins, mineral complexes with it. lodcasein can be added to food, in particular, bread, children nutrition, diary products.

Correctness of the present approach to prophylaxis of iodine deficiency was confirmed by experts of the Institute of Nutrition and Endocrinological Centre of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences.

Development of standards, as well as production of bread enriched with iodinated protein (Iodcasein) at Kaluga bakery's plant is the start of practical application of iodcasein in Russia.