Abstract: No less than 1.5 billion people of the Globe and 100 million Russian citizens live in the territory with iodine deficiency. Effects of iodine deficiency are well known. Joint programs of various international organizations, particularly World Health Organization, are directed towards elimination of iodine deficiency. Russian Government drew resolution "On measures towards prophylactics of diseases caused by iodine deficiency". Traditionally iodinized salt was used for prophylactics. The possibility of iodine deficiency prophylaxis with the use of iodorganic compounds has been considered since the end of the 19th century. Much attention is given to the use of iodinated casein for this purpose (Fig.1). A lot of works are indicative of the possibility to use Iodcasein as a preparation for iodine deficiency prophylaxis. In 1999, a new industrial technology of iodination of milk protein, Iodcasein, was developed by experts of MRRC RAMS. It allows to receive a preparation containing 7-8% iodine. It is a powder of yellow color. It is dissolved in the water if pH>7,5. The aminoacid formula (per 100 000 g) is AII43GIy30VaI54Ley60Lys61i-Ley49Prn65Phe28Tyr45Try8Ser60Tre41Cys2Met17Arg25Gys19Asp63Glu153. Content of admixtures in Iodcasein doesn’t exceed 0.1% and content of heavy metal doesn’t exceed the medico-biologic requirements. In this compound iodine is in a durable covalent connection with a benzene ring of the aromatic aminoacids of protein.

For the study of acute toxicity of Iodcasein, the substance in the amount that 1000 times exceeded the physiological dose was administered to animals. Behavior, appearance, general status of the animals were followed up for 14 days. The tested parameters did not differ from those in control group.

Three groups of animals were taken in the study of chronic toxicity. The first group was given recommended daily dose of Iodcasein for 30 days, in Group 2 the animals were given 10-fold daily dose, in Group 3 100-fold daily dose was administered. Experimental study allows one to conclude that Iodcasein can be used for prophylactic of iodine deficiency. Assimilation of iodinated casein agreed with physiological status of a body. Iodcasein accumulated to higher extent in animals consumed iodine deficient food and its accumulation was lower in animals consumed food with adequate amount of iodine.

In 1999, the preparation was registered by the RF Health Ministry as food additive Iodcasein.  Stable percentage of iodine and its thermostability allow to use that new food additive containing iodine in baking of bread ensuring the given iodine content in end food products.