The Iodine Concentration of Market Milk in Tennessee, 1981–1986.

Abstract

Three hundred samples of processed milk from 10 milk processors in Tennessee were collected during the years 1981–1986, and analyzed for iodine concentration. Although some fluctuations occurred during the period, a downward trend was noted from the 287 μg/kg milk in 1981 to the 214 μg/kg milk in 1986. The overall average was 240 μg/kg. Seasonal differences were observed; spring samples had an average of 298 μg/kg; summer samples 200 μg/kg, and fall samples 234 μg/kg. Differences between plants were also found, with averages ranging from 153 to 344 μg/kg milk. Thirty-eight samples of raw tanker milk collected at one plant location during 1982–1986 had iodine concentrations ranging from 82 μg/kg to 1898 μg/kg, for an average of 240 μg/kg.