Health and nutrition guidelines in Iceland

Recent discussions in Iceland highlight the importance of scientific rigor in nutritional claims and updated medical guidelines for iron deficiency. Under European Economic Area regulations, implemented in Iceland via regulation no. 406/2010, food manufacturers are restricted to using only approved nutritional and health claims that have been scientifically validated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

In medical practice, new guidelines from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) suggest adjusting diagnostic thresholds for iron deficiency. Specifically, a ferritin level of 30 µg/L or lower is proposed as a marker for deficiency in adults, including pregnant women, whereas 15 µg/L was previously common. This change aims to identify deficiency before anemia develops, as ferritin levels can deplete before hemoglobin drops.

Additionally, the concept of brain health is gaining prominence through initiatives like Heilaheilsa, which focuses on cognitive rehabilitation and protection following head injuries, long-term COVID-19, or burnout.